Peruvian qualifier Ignacio Buse defeated American Tommy Paul 7-6 (8-6), 4-6, 6-3 in the Hamburg Open final on Saturday to claim his first title on the ATP Tour.
World number 57 Buse squadered a 5-2 lead before sealing the first set while an early break for 2-0 eventually paved the way to victory over sixth seed Paul in a marathon that lasted 3 hours 3 minutes in warm conditions.
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“[I have given] effort for my whole life. It’s fully emotional for my family,” said Buse, whose father Hans is a tennis coach and was in attendance for the big moment.
“I feel extremely happy. It’s the best feeling in my entire life for sure. I feel incredibly happy. I don’t know what to say. I’m also really proud of Peru. It’s the best country in the world so I’m just so emotional now.”
The ATP said that Buse is the first Peruvian tournament winner since Luis Horna triumphed in Vina del Mar in 2007.
The 22-year-old also had his biggest payday with a winners chqeue of €415,140 ($481,815) and the ATP said he will rise to 31st in the next rankings.
