Photo: Bo Kwan
Marcos capped an excellent week by winning the Odlum Brown Van Open title with a 6-4, 6-4 victory over Xavier Malisse in the final of the ATP Challenger Tour event Sunday in Vancouver.
The title is Marcos’ first at any level since triumphing at the ATP World Tour 250 tennis tournament in Zagreb in February 2007 and gives him a boost in the South African Airways 2009 ATP Rankings, moving him up to No. 111.
Odlum Brown Van Open Photo Gallery
“It’s been a long time [since] winning a tournament and having the feeling of winning something,” said Marcos. “It’s very nice, especially also in the final I played really good, so the tennis is coming back and I’m really happy.”
Due to heavy rain in Vancouver on Sunday, the final was delayed for four hours. Marcos kept his composure and concentration though to comfortably dispatch former World No. 19 Malisse, who was in good form having captured the ATP Challenger Tour title in Granby last week.
By all accounts, Marcos proved to be a huge fan favourite in Vancouver this past week and after the final was surrounded by ball kids – all clamouring for an item of clothing.
Marcos will now look to take his confidence and strong form into the LG & T Tennis Challenger in Binghampton, New York, which begins today. Marcos has been seeded fourth and will open his campaign against Poland’s Jerzy Janowicz. Also in the field are Denis Istomin, Paul Capdeville, Chris Guccione and Carsten Ball.
Check out the singles draw here.
Well done Marcos on a great effort!
