Sousa crowned Tata Open champion with tough win over Ruusuvuori

Joao Sousa prevailed in a fire-fight with immensely-talented Emil Ruusuvuori in the summit clash of the Tata Open Maharashtra to clinch his first ATP singles title since May 2018 and fourth overall on Sunday. Ranked 137, the 32-year-old Sousa countered the intensity of his 22-year-old sixth seed rival from Finland with his experience to emerge a 7-6 (9), 4-6, 6-1 winner in the final that lasted two hours and 43 minutes at the Balewadi Sports Complex. While the two players put on display enthralling tennis, Sousa's perseverance was key in countering the intense hitting and fighting spirit of the Finland player, who was eyeing his maiden title.

Both moved swiftly and hit the ball fluently as long points kept the fans engaged in tight contests. The gates were opened finally for the fans as the initial matches were played before an empty stadium due to Covid-19 protocols. The first break opportunity came Sousa's way when at deuce in the fifth game, 87th-ranked Emil hit a forehand wide.

The Finn saved that and followed that up with some solid serving and accurate returns to hold. Emil again came under pressure in the seventh game. Sousa sensed a chance at 30-30 but Emil again produced timely good serves to stay afloat.

While Sousa, playing his 11th ATP Tour final, was holding his serves with ease in the beginning, Emil upped the ante by increasing the intensity of his returns to break his rival in the eighth game for a 5-3 lead. Serving for the set, Emil double-faulted twice from 30-all and the match was back on serve. In the tie-breaker, at 5-5, Sousa pushed Emil to his far left with powerful returns.