Maxime Cressy hails ‘incredible feeling’ after winning maiden ATP Tour title

Shahida Jacobs
Maxime Cressy delighted

Maxime Cressy had plenty to celebrate on Sunday after he overcame a nightmare start to defeat Alexander Bublik in the Hall of Fame Open final in Newport.

Playing in his third ATP Tour final, the American lost nine of the first 11 games before he found his rhythm and eventually secured a 2-6, 6-3, 7-6 (7-3) victory in two hours and 23 minutes.

Cressy, who lost the Melbourne and Eastbourne finals this year, must have thought ‘here we go again’ as he got off to a poor start as third seed Bublik broke in games two and eight to take the opening set.

Another break in game two of the second set saw the Kazakh player open a 3-0 lead, but the American upped his level as he won the final six games of the set, breaking three times to take it to a decider.

After the flurry of breaks in the opening two sets, there were no breaks in the third set, but both struggled to hold serve in the tie-breaker. Cressey, though, was more stable as he had four mini breaks to two and eventually won on his first match point.

“It’s an incredible feeling to win my first title, I never thought I would win it this way,” Cressey said. “I played my first ATP tournament here, and it’s always an incredible atmosphere. There were a lot of ups and downs but I’m very proud of myself for fighting through it.”

The 25-year-old started the year outside the top 100, but he will rise to a career-high of No 33 after his maiden title, which edges him closer to being seeded at the US Open.

“That was my first goal, to be seeded at the US Open, so I’m glad it’s already accomplished,” he said.

“It’s incredibly special to see the success coming and that the hard work is paying off. It’s the most fulfilling feeling and I’m really looking forward to more.”