Baghdatis wins Stockholm Open by beating Rochus

STOCKHOLM (AP)—Marcos Baghdatis of Cyprus beat Olivier Rochus of Belgium 6-1, 7-5 on Sunday, winning the Stockholm Open for his third career ATP Tour singles title just a week after learning he had gained the event’s main draw.

Baghdatis was playing a Challenger event in Tashkent when he got the news.

“They told me I was in, so I got on a plane right after the final (in Tashkent last week) and here I am,” he said. “I can’t say I was expecting this victory, but it feels great. I’m really happy.”

The 66th-ranked Cypriot advanced to the final against his friend and training partner with a walkover after top-seeded Robin Soderling of Sweden withdrew because of an elbow injury.

In the first set at the Royal Tennis Hall, Baghdatis broke to lead 3-1 and then 5-1. It was closer than the score indicated with the fourth and six games going to deuce.

After trading breaks in the second set, Baghdatis broke for the third time to lead 6-5.

Baghdatis hit a backhand down the line to set up double match point at 40-15. He closed out the match with an ace.

“I want to blow a kiss to my mother and godmother, thank you for coming,” Baghdatis said. “Olivier played great, he’s given so much on the court.”

Baghdatis, the 2006 Australian Open runner-up, has been sidelined with numerous injuries the past two seasons. His highest ranking was eighth in August 2006, and his previous titles came in Beijing in 2006 and Zagreb in 2007.

“My goal is to stay healthy and try to play some consistent tennis,” he said.”

Rochus said his serve let him down.

“My serve didn’t work as well as it had done earlier in the week,” he said. “I had a few too many double-faults and had a lower first serve percentage, which cost me a lot. …

“I can’t complain with my week, but of course it’s always disappointing to lose a final.”