KITZBÜHEL, August 8, 2015
In the sixth over 30 final of the season on the ATP World Tour, Philipp Kohlschreiber claimed his sixth career title, winning the climax of the Generali Open in Kitzbühel 2-6, 6-2, 6-2 against Paul-Henri Mathieu.
The German needed some time to find his rhythm and lost his service two times in the opening set. Mathieu took the frame in 30 minutes but from then on the momentum switched to the Kitzbühel resident. Kohlschreiber converted his first break point in the first game of the second set and became more solid. The sixth seed fired seven aces and won 78% of his first service points to seal victory in one hour and 41minutes.
Kitzbühel Champion 2015: Philipp Kohlschreiber
Kohlschreiber defeated Mathieu for the fourth time in their fifth tour meeting
Philipp Kohlschreiber captured his sixth ATP career title
Mathieu, who appeared in his first ATP World Tour final since Hamburg 2009 was disappointed but also happy to be back on tour level. “It’s always hard losing a final. I ran a bit out of steam for sure. It was tough,” the 33-year-old Frenchman told after he had to battle through the qualification.
“I still want to enjoy the big tournaments being in the main draw. I hope that I do not have to go through the qualification here next year and maybe have the chance to win another title. That’s my goal,” Mathieu said and added that he will have a rest during next week. “This tournament here took me a lot of energy. Physically as well as mentally. Then I will practice in order to get ready for the hard court season.”
Paul-Henri Mathieu
Kohlschreiber was overwhelmed claiming the title in Kitzbühel. “I want to enjoy this title here. There will be bigger tournaments in the future with Djokovic, Nadal, Federer and Co but I practiced well and I am happy that it worked out for me this week. Winning here in Kitzbühel is a special title for me,” Kohlschreiber told after he lifted his first trophy since Düsseldorf 2014.
“My results haven’t been the best so far this season, so this title has come along just at the right time. I really feel good here and I like the people, who are very friendly. The people, who work for the tournament here are really passionate about tennis. That’s a nice thing,” the world number 39 said and told about his further schedule.
“On Wednesday I am going to fly to the States, playing in Cincinnati and the US-Open. I skipped Montreal. The new rule is a good thing, so I have a few days to rest and I can enjoy the victory,” the 31-year-old stated and takes away € 80,000 in prize money as well as 250 ATP ranking points.
Nicolas Almagro and Carlos Berlocq celebrated their first ATP team title, winning an exciting doubles final against Robin Haase and Henri Kontinen 5-7, 6-3, 11-9 in one hour and 28 minutes.
Tennis TourTalk spoke to Nicolas Almagro after claiming his first doubles career title:
Berlocq & Almagro doubles winners Kitzbühel 2015
Nicolas Almagro and Carlos Berlocq claimed their first team title
Earlier the day, the final news conference took place with a satisfied tournament director Alexander Antonitsch. “The players enjoyed being back on the clay, even after Wimbledon,” he told. “Obviously it’s great to see for us that Thiem has been so successful the last couple of weeks and also played a great tournament here in Kitzbühel. The atmosphere on and off the courts was outstanding. With Kohli we had another darling of the public in the final, who has now become a Kitzbühel resident and arrives at the venue by bike,” Antonitsch stated and added that on Saturday morning before the finals had started more than 35,000 spectators attended the matches. Consequently, last year’s mark of 36,600 will be surpassed.
The ATP released the new calendar for 2016 and the Generali Open will take place in the same week as Washington, Gstaad and Umag. “We do have to live with this date. It will be tough for every tournament taking place this week. But with the Olympic Games there will be no easy week. Alongside with our partner Octagon, we will have first talks in New York. We are hoping for a co-operation with the other tournaments that the local players will play their home events,” Antonitsch said and also announced that the contract with the title sponsor Generali is still valid until 2017 with an option for another three years.
Tournament director Alexander Antonitsch and the president of the Kitzbühl Tennis Club Herbert Günther
