Gael Monfils beats qualifier Pavel Kotov to win Stockholm Open – ‘I kept believing and fighting’

Gael Monfils came from a set down to beat qualifier Pavel Kotov 4-6 7-6(6) 6-3 and win the Stockholm Open for a second time.

The Frenchman, in claiming his first title of the season, became the oldest champion in the history of the Swedish tournament as the 37-year-old lifted his first trophy since the Adelaide International in January of last year.

Monfils had to display great athleticism to stay in some tough rallies against his heavy-hitting Russian counterpart, as Kotov looked to step into the court and dictate proceedings with his thunderous forehand.

Kotov, the first qualifier to reach a tour-level final since Jiri Vesely in Dubai last year, had to contend with Monfils sitting deep behind the baseline, soaking up his opponent’s power, and demonstrating fantastic guile and touch to disrupt the 24-year-old’s rhythm.

A particular highlight was a Monfils backhand from way out wide at 5-4, 15-0 down in the first set as the Frenchman showed great reach to make the return and direct it with pinpoint accuracy down the line for a clean winner.

“Credit to Pavel,” Monfils said after his victory. “He has had an unbelievable week and he was pushing me on the court. I ran a lot today.

“When I had to save break points in the second set, I tried to push through. I don’t know how I pulled up but I kept believing and fighting.”

Monfils arrived in the Swedish capital ranked world No. 140, having struggled with niggling injuries in the earlier months of the year.

In Stockholm, the veteran dropped just two sets in his run to the final, including beating seventh seed Christopher Eubanks in his first match, and No. 2 seed and compatriot Adrian Mannarino in the quarter-finals.

Monfils, with his 12th title, has become the lowest-ranked tour champion since Borna Sosa in Cincinnati last year, when the Croat was ranked world No. 152, and the Frenchman now rises to world No. 89.