Melzer A Surprise Golf Ball in Winston-Salem
Jurgen Melzer came into the Winston-Salem open with three consecutive first round losses.
He left the Winston-Salem Open with a surprise title, 6-3 2-1 ret. over Gael Monfils.
Melzer dominated the first set and broke to open the match before Monfils was beset with yet another injury, supposedly a stomach muscle, that forced him to concede. The Austrian veteran improves to 1-1 in ATP finals this year and earns his 4th career ATP title. Melzer has started working with Milos Raonic’s former coach, Galo Blanco, and the partnership seems to be paying off.
Melzer put his arm around Monfils in a gesture of good sportsmanship after the Frenchman retired and wished him good luck.
Melzer beat Thiemo De Bakker in three sets, Benoit Paire and Dmitry Tursunov in straights before dispatching Sam Querrey in three sets to reach the final. The Winston-Salem field was damaged by the withdrawals of John Isner and Tomas Berdych after the draw.
Monfils beat Guido Pella in straights, Tommy Robredo and Fernando Verdasco in three sets, followed by Alex Dolgopolov in straights to make the final.
Daniel Nestor and Leander Paes beat Treat Huey and Dominic Inglot for the doubles title.
—Steen Kirby
Tennis Atlantic 