ATP Pune: Joao Sousa celebrates fourth career title after a long dry spell
Joao Sousa celebrated his fourth career title in Pune with a three-set win over Emil Ruusuuvuori . It is the Portuguese's first triumph in over three years.
by Michael Rothschädl
last edit:
Feb 06, 2022, 07:06 pm
Kuala Lumpur, Valencia, Estoril - and now Pune too. The Portuguese Joao Sousa won the fourth ATP title of his career in India on Sunday. At the ATP 250 event, the 32-year-old was crowned the lowest-ranked winner in the tournament's 26-year history. Sousa is currently only 137th in the world rankings.
"We've had some tough moments in recent years, but winning the title here is a dream come true," said a visibly emotional Joao Sousa at the award ceremony after his three-set win over Finn Emil Ruusuuvuori. In the semi-finals, the Portuguese had his back to the wall in Pune, but was able to defeat Elias Ymer in three sets after defending against match points.
Emotional triumph for Sousa
With thanks to the team and family, the 32-year-old did not hold back after his success. The people around him would tirelessly support him, for which he was very grateful, Sousa explained during the award ceremony. With his success in Pune, the Portuguese will also return to the top 100 in the world rankings after slipping to 182nd place in September last year.
A piquant detail: With the triumph in Pune, Jaoa Sousa had match points against him in at least one game in three of his four title runs on the ATP tour on the way to triumph. In Kuala Lumpur, 2013, in the final, in Estoril (2018) in round two - and now, in Pune, in the semifinals against Sweden's Ymer.