Verkerk Triumphs at Montreal National Bank Futures
March 16, 2008
Dutchman Martin Verkerk won the singles title Sunday at the Montreal National Bank Futures, an ITF sanctioned event with US$10,000 in prize money held at Uniprix Stadium. Verkerk defeated Romanian Florin Mergea in three sets of 6-7(8), 7-6(9) and 6-4.
Mergea, ranked 548th, was in control of the match during the first two sets, but wasted two match points in the second set tiebreak, missing an easy backhand volley on a floating shot hit by Verkerk on his second opportunity to close out the match.
“I was lucky”, admitted the champion, 674th on the ATP rankings. “He was the best player today. He was dominant from the baseline, hitting with such power that he looked like a well established Top 100 player. Florin probably should’ve won this match but he missed a couple of shots on key points. When I took the second set from him I knew that my experience would give me a good chance to win the match.”
Verkerk broke Mergea’s serve to take a 5-4 lead late in the final set and finished the match with his 30th ace of the day to claim his first title since winning the 2004 Dutch Open. Twenty-nine-year-old Verkerk reached a career high of No. 14 after reaching the final in his very first appearance at the French Open in 2003. A serious shoulder injury kept him sidelined from July 2004 to January 2006.
“I am relieved to finally win a tournament. Since coming back from my injury, there were times where I simply wanted to quit”, continued Verkerk who had a 0-12 record in 2007. “But today, I’m very happy to have persevered.”
Verkerk and Mergea will next play at the Sherbrooke National Bank Futures. Main draw matches will get under way on Tuesday, March 18, at the Centre Recreatif Rock Forest.
Bron: Tennis Canada