Ivan Ljubicic Wins Maiden Masters Title
22 March 2010
0Comments | Comment on this Article
Ivan Ljubicic gave himself a great birthday present as he won his first Masters Title beating home favourite Andy Roddick.
The Croat, who turned thirty one on Friday, became the oldest first time winner of a Master Title. He is also the second oldest winner of the Indian Wells title after Jimmy Connors.
It has been a good run of form for Ljubicic who had seen off second seed Novak Djokovic and defending champion Rafael Nadal on his way to the final.
Speaking after his match he said: "It's really a fantastic feeling to finally have it. It gives something special to your career."
"The fact that I won here doesn't make me the number three, number five player in the world.
"I just need to be realistic and try to consolidate these results. I know how difficult it is to beat me."
Andy Roddick had crept through the draw and was possibly the favourite going into the final last night.
The American had beaten Ljubicic seven times in their last ten meetings and has also run into some good form in recent weeks.
The match was a tight affair from the off as serve played a huge part in the match. Despite winning in straight sets the pair were locked together for the entire two hours as both set were pushed to tie breakers.
But like he had all week Ljubicic stood firm as he fired down twenty aces and impressive forty two winners to take the title 7-6 (7-3) 7-6 (7-5)
It may have been his first Masters win but the big hitting Croat is not unfamiliar with a Masters Finals, after being defeated in his three previous attempts to win a title.
But this time he would not be denied a, once again, it was the tie breakers where he really held his nerve and his game together.
With both players in such fine form they must be considered a threat at the Miami Masters tournament that kicks off today.
And there was some consolation for Rafa Nadal after his semi final loss to Ljubicic the Spaniard teamed up with compatriot Marc Lopez to scoop the doubles title.
It's their second double win together as they saw off number one seeds Daniel Nestor and Nenad Zimonjic, 7-6(8), 6-3.
0Comments | Be the first to comment!
