World number 77 Joao Sousa produced yet another rousing upset when he won his maiden title on Sunday at the Malaysian Open after the Portuguese player defeated fifth-seed Julien Benneteau 2-6 ,7-5, 6-4 in the final. This means that Benneteau is still seeking his first career ATP title.
“I just gave my best, it was a tough shot there, I just went for it and it went it… Tennis is like this, if you don’t go for it, you’ll never make it, so I just went for it,” Sousa said. “We both played a great match… He had a lot of chances to win.”
Sousa also set a historic first for Portugal, being the first player from his country to win an ATP World Tour title. He also become the seventh first-time title winner on tour this 2013 season.
“I’m so tired mentally and physically but I just feel amazing, it’s just a dream come true, winning my first title here in Malaysia,” said Sousa. “I’m really happy to win this title… I hope this helps [my] confidence and to try and do better things.”
Sousa had a remarkable run to the final which saw him eliminating top-seed David Ferrer in the quarterfinals and fourth-seed Jurgen Melzer in the semifinals.
The loss leaves Benneteau’s ATP finals record to 0-9.
“I tried everything today… I played very well, particularly I was very aggressive and I didn’t let him play for two sets almost,” he said. “At 5-4, I had match point and I played the point perfectly… He made the passing shot down the line, with his forehand.”
“I took my chance, it didn’t pay off and it’s hard, it’s hard, it’s very hard. But it’s sport,” he added. “It’s tough because I was leading the match, but this is tennis. You have to win some key points.”
