PULA, Merch 20, 2016
Pedro Martínez Portero claimed his maiden title on the ITF Pro Circuit, winning Sunday’s final of the $10,000 Istarska Rivijera in Pula against Zdenek Kolar 6-3, 6-1.
About 100 spectators attended the all-teen-encounter in perfect weather conditions, held at the venue of the Arenaturist in Verudela. The 19-year-old Czech, who lifted his first Future trophy in Porec seven days ago, had the better start into the match when he broke his opponent’s serve in the second game of the opening set.
Yet, it should remain the only service loss for Martínez Portero. The 18-year-old Spaniard found his rhythm in the middle of the first set, putting more variety in his shots and started to serve better. Kolar produced a couple of unforced errors in the following and seemed to be a bit tired after winning nine matches a row on the Istrian swing.
Martínez Portero sent down three aces, converted five of his 12 break point chances and won 64 of the total 110 points to seal victory in one hour and 19 minutes.
The finalists in Pula: Pedro Martínez Portero and Zdenek Kolar
“It was my third final and I am very satisfied to win my first Future title. I had a pretty difficult match in the second round but it also gave me a lot of confidence and I played very well during the last matches. In general, the conditions here seem to suit my game very well. I was in Umag two years ago, playing a junior’s tournament and I like it here. Everything was good this week,” the Spanish youngster was happy afterwards.
“Zdenek is a great player with a very good baseline game but I think he was a bit tired today. I am going to play in Opatija next week, which will be another tough tournament but I will try to do my best. After that I will go back to Spain, playing in Madrid for some more Futures,” the youngster from Valencia told.
Pedro Martínez Portero
“I would like to play a lot of tournaments this season at a good level of tennis. If I am able to do so and remain mentally strong, I will climb up the rankings for sure,” the world number 661 concluded.
He takes away $1,440 in prize money as well as 18 ATP ranking points.
Post match interview (Spanish) with Pedro Martínez Portero Winner Pula 2016
