Eastbourne Open ATP Final Round-up | Zizou Bergs clinches maiden ATP title in turbulent contest against Ugo Humbert

At the third time of trying, Zizou Bergs is an ATP title winner. In a match that spanned over two days, he defeated Ugo Humbert 3-6, 6-1, 6-4 to win the Eastbourne Open title.

The match was supposed to be played out in full yesterday, but only three games were managed following turbulent weather conditions on the Sussex coast forcing the players to find shelter and all the action being postponed. Humbert and Bergs returned today to complete the final in Eastbourne.

It was Bergs who turned out to have the tools for the big occasion, improving throughout the match as he produced an eye-catching comeback win. It is the final grass tournament to be decided before all attention turns to Wimbledon next week, and the 27-year-old will head there following his first ever title triumph at this level.

The match re-started with Humbert leading 2-1 on serve. After trading breaks, Humbert got the decisive break late on which was followed by him serving out the set. His performance level decreased in the second set as Bergs pounced, romping back level as the match went the distance. Bergs continued to pile the pressure on and was rewarded with a break of serve. He was in control from there and was pictured a jubilant character once the win was confirmed.

Humbert had survived a break point in the last full game they played before today. He reversed the roles in a long game to continue the final, eventually taking one of his break points to sail out into the lead. Bergs reeled him in by clinching eight of the next nine points in a rampant spell.

He got level at 3-3, but then Humbert went up a notch. He dropped just four points in what would be the final three games of the first set, picking up the pivotal break of serve needed to allow him to get the first set under his belt.

He could not continue playing at the level as he fell in the clutches of Bergs. The Belgian stormed into a 3-0 lead as he survived a couple break-back points by Humbert. He got on the board before Bergs raced further clear, winning the last three games to send the final the distance.

Bergs continued to hound Humbert. The Frenchman’s chance of an eighth title, second on grass, was fading with him unable to go up that extra gear. Bergs would be let off the hook after failing to convert a brace of break points in the fifth game. Two games later, and he made up for it in brilliant fashion. A convincing break put him two away from the title. He secured the title with his second match point, leaping the air with joy as he sprinted across the court to celebrate in front of the fans and with his team.