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Bergs wins Eastbourne final to clinch first ATP title / Photo: © AFP
Bergs wins Eastbourne final to clinch first ATP title
Belgium's Zizou Bergs won his first ATP title with a surprise 3-6, 6-1, 6-4 victory against French sixth seed Ugo Humbert in the Eastbourne final on Sunday.
Bergs arrived at the Wimbledon warm-up event on a six-match losing streak, but he leaves as the first Belgian man to win an ATP title on grass.
The 27-year-old had lost his two previous finals in Auckland and 's-Hertogenbosch last year.
His success on the south coast means the world number 48 is guaranteed a new career high when the ATP Rankings are updated on Monday.
"Thank you to my team. We make fun together and we definitely work together really well to always improve," Bergs said.
"If the results are not there, we keep focusing on improving, and that's why we're here today standing with the trophy."
Humbert held a 2-1 lead in the first set when the match was postponed due to persistent rain on Saturday.
When play resumed on Sunday, Humbert looked on course for the title after comfortably taking the first set.
Chasing his eighth ATP title, and second on grass after winning in Halle in 2021, the world number 30 suddenly lost his way in the second set.
Bergs took advantage to level the match at one set all and then landed the crucial break in the final set, letting out a triumphant roar after sealing match point.
Humbert will have an immediate chance for revenge when the pair meet again in the Wimbledon first round on Tuesday.
"Zizou, I would like to congratulate you for you first ATP title," Humbert said.
"You played really great today, so congratulations to you and your team. See you in two days for the rematch at Wimbledon."
G.Allen--SFF
