MOST, May 31, 2015
Jan Satral captured the title at the 16th edition of the US-$ 10,000 Future event in Most. In front of about 100 spectators, the 24-year-old Czech defeated Adrian Sikora, winning 6-4, 6-2.
Satral was the dominant player on the court right from the beginning with more powerful groundstrokes, gaining the first break in the fifth game of the opening set. The world number 340, who is only ranked two places higher than his opponent, took the advantage until the end of the set, serving out after 42 minutes.
Sikora, who has reached his first final of the season, produced too many unforced errors, also at the beginning of the second frame. Satral capitalized on his chances to break serve in the fifth and seventh game to eventually seal victory in 90 minutes, converting his fourth match point.
Adrian Sikora (left) and Jan Satral met for the third time on the tour
Centre Court at TK Most
Satral captured his seventh title on the ITF Future circuit, his second of the season, following his victory in Sharm-el-Sheikh in March.
“The match was tougher than the scoreboard might tell. We know each other pretty well, so it was a bit funny how we played. I tried to go over his forehand and he did the same over my backhand, trying to hit the ball into the corners. It was a good match but I didn’t feel so good. I do not know why, because in the beginning of the second set I played worse than in the opening stages of the match. I wasn’t nervous but I think that my hand was a bit slow and shaky in these particular moments. Nonetheless, I eventually gained the breaks and that’s why I won today,” Satral was happy with his performance throughout the week, also taking the doubles title on Friday with Roman Jebavy.
“Every time it’s great to claim two titles within one week. For me and Roman it was the first time that we took a title in the Czech Republic outdoors. It is also my first singles title on home soil. This is very special, as my family is here supporting me and I am also happy for them,” the fourth seed said.
“I do not have any goals in terms of ranking positions but I have a bet with Adrian, who of us will break into the top 300 at first. The loser has to pay dinner for the other person and his girl-friend, so I hope that it will be us now receiving the invitation,” Satral told with a smile. “For both of us, it would be great to get into the qualification of the US-Open but it will still be a long way for that,” he added and said that is heading for Prostejov this afternoon playing doubles, following the Challenger in Prague the week after that.
Jan Satral defeated Adrian Sikora for the second time in the Czech Republic
Jan Satral captured his seventh ITF Future title
Sikora suffered his second defeat against his practice partner from Prague in their third meeting. Both losses took place in the Czech Republic.
“Jan played very well, he was more aggressive than me on court today. He was just better and maybe next time it will be me again. I feel well in the Czech Republic, as I live in Prague but maybe I will have the chance to gain another victory in Slovakia,” the 26-year-old Zilina native told us and added that he is going to play some weeks in Lebanon, playing one or two Futures before he is coming back to Europe to continue his season on the ATP Challenger Tour.
