Kevin Anderson of South Africa celebrates with the trophy after winning the final against Roberto Bautista Agut of Spain at Mubadala World Tennis Championship in Abu Dhabi.
Abu Dhabi - The South African was in control for most part of the match
Published: Sat 30 Dec 2017, 9:36 PM
Updated: Sat 30 Dec 2017, 11:44 PM
- By
- Ashwani Kumar
World No. 14 Kevin Anderson thumped World No. 20 Roberto Bautista Agut in straight sets 6-4, 7-6 (7-0) to clinch the 10th edition of the Mubadala World Tennis Championship 2017 and pocket $250,000 in Abu Dhabi on Saturday.
The South African was in control for most part of the match apart from the second set in which Agut put up a solid fight. Anderson by winning the title has become the biggest name outside top 10 to be crowned the champion. The previous editions have seen the likes of Rafael Nadal (4-time), Novak Djokovic (3-time) Andy Murray (2-time) pick titles. While the former two names withdrew this time around the Britain No. 1 played an exhibition match.
Just like in previous matches of the tournament, Anderson was a class apart in the final too. He was determined and broke Agut in the first game. Anderson served well but was tested at 3-2 in the first set by Agut. However, the tall South African managed to clinch the set 6-4.
The second set was a tricky affair as Agut raised his game by matching serves and taking break points.
However, Anderson came back strong and dominated the Spaniard in the tie-breaker to clinch the set and the match in 1 hour 39 minutes and bag his maiden Abu Dhabi title.
ashwani@khaleejtimes.com
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