Nadal beats Monfils to win in Qatar
DOHA: World number one Rafael Nadal defeated France’s Gael Monfils 6-1, 6-7 (5/7), 6-2 on Saturday to win the Qatar Open. It was Nadal’s 61st career title and took him to eighth on the all-time list, passing Andre Agassi. “I never had the chance to win here before. I had match points against Davydenko in the final a few years back,” said Nadal, who was runner-up to Russia’s Nikolay Davydenko in 2010. “I’m happy to start the season like this, it’s the first time I have won a title in the first week of the year. “It’s a great way to start the season. I’m sure that if Gael keeps playing like this, he will be close to the top 10.” Nadal, who hit 13 aces and 36 winners, took his record over Monfils to 9-2. The Frenchman had achieved both his wins over the Spaniard in Doha, in 2009 and 2012. (Agencies)
Somdev moves to 2nd round of Australian ATP event Qualifiers
Sydney: Somdev Devvarman recovered from his shock Chennai Open defeat against little-known compatriot Ramkumar Ramanathan to edge past Belgium’s Niel Desein in a tight opening round of the ATP Apia International Qualifiers, here on Saturday. India’s top singles player, ranked 90th in the world, overcame the challenge of his 199th-ranked opponent 6-2 2-6 6-4 in one hour and 43 minutes. His next rival is Germany’s Jan-Lennard Struff, who dumped top seed Mikhail Kukushkin 7-6 (6) 6-2. (Agencies)
France win first Hopman Cup in thrilling decider
PERTH (Australia): France won their first Hopman Cup title on Saturday night, taking a thrilling decider against Poland. The two countries split the singles rubbers at the mixed teams tournament, with Jo-Wilfried Tsonga beating Grzegorz Panfil and Agnieszka Radwanska then edging past Alize Cornet in an epic battle. The French then claimed the tie with a 6-0, 6-2 win in the mixed doubles rubber. France had previously been beaten in the 1998 and 2012 finals.(Agencies)