Joao Sousa ends Portugal’s wait for home title with victory at Estoril Open

Shahida Jacobs
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Portugal’s wait for a home winner at the Estoril Open is over after Joao Sousa beat Frances Tiafoe in the final.

The 29-year-old defeated the American 6-4, 6-4 in one hour and 19 minutes to win his third ATP Tour trophy, but his first since 2015 in Valencia.

Sousa broke in the third game, but Tiafoe hit back a couple of games later to level it at 3-3 only to lose his serve again in the next game.

The local hero was in control of the second set from the set as he broke twice to open a 4-0 lead and, although his opponent managed to claim one break back, he swept to victory in front of his home crowd.

“It’s just amazing. It’s a dream come true,” Sousa told ATPWorldTour.com.

“It is very special for a Portuguese player to win here on home soil. I know how hard the organisation worked to make this tournament one of the best in the world and it’s just amazing. The crowd was unbelievable.”

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