Frenchman Nicolas Mahut prevails against Hewitt to win Newport title

Nicolas Mahut of France earned his way back in the world’s top 100 with a title-winning run at the Hall of Fame Tennis Championships 2013. The Frenchman did not let a first set deficit discourage him and turned things around to beat fourth seed and last year’s finalist Lleyton Hewitt 5-7, 7-5, 6-3 on Sunday.

“When you want to win a final, everything can happen. I just can’t believe it’s true,” said Mahut.

Mahut entered the event as a wildcard and now walks away with $78,000 and 250 ranking points. This is his second career ATP Tour title after winning the Topshelf Open, also a grasscourt event, last month.

“A month ago I was playing to make the cut for the qualies at the US Open, I was [ranked] 240 with some points to defend. I told my coach, I have to play great on grass to make the cut for the qualies. A month later I have two titles,” he said.

Mahut also won the doubles title which was contested on Monday.