Leonardo Mayer wins maiden title, ATP 500 German Open

Prior to entering the German Open in Hamburg, Argentine Leonardo Mayer was ranked 46th. After winning this ATP 500 title on Sunday, his ranking will jump within the world’s top 30.

Mayer won his maiden title in Hamburg with a thrilling three set victory over top seed David Ferrer 6-7, 6-1, 7-6.

“I can’t believe it,” said Mayer. “I was able to do it against Ferrer, who is one of the best players on this surface. I’m really happy and it still hasn’t sunk in that I won.

“At the start of the match, I was a little tense. But I relaxed and started to play better. He also made some mistakes that got me back into the match. I tried to enjoy it and that’s why I won, I think.

“I wasn’t the top favourite, but I gave it all my strength, power and energy because I absolutely wanted to win.”

Mayer became the fourth first-time singles titlist this season with the other winners being Federico Delbonis (Sao Paulo), Roberto Bautista Agut (‘s-Hertogenbosch) and Pablo Cuevas (Bastad).

Mayer received €272,300 in prize money plus 500 ranking points. He became the lower-ranked player of an ATP 500 event since 54th-ranked Radek Stepanek won Washington back in 2011.

Meanwhile, Ferrer was denied of a 22nd career title on Sunday and is now 21-23 in finals record. He was aiming to win his second title of the season after securing the Buenos Aires title.

“He was better in the match,” said Ferrer. “I think I was little bit nervous in the important moments and he played more aggressive than me and nothing else.”