The third time was indeed the charm for Spain’s Pablo Carreno Busta as he claimed his first ever ATP title at the Winston-Salem Open.
US Open: Big Four Seeds Preview
"My mother has suffered a lot watching my matches. So this is for her," Carreno Busta said during the trophy ceremony.
The 16th seeded Carreno Busta faced off in Saturday’s final against fellow Spaniard and No. 2 seed Roberto Bautista Agut.
Carreno Busta, who lost in his two previous finals this season, hoped this final would prove better. Bautista Agut used his experience to edge out the younger Spaniard in the first set tiebreak. Bautista Agut then earned an early break in the second set.
But, the 25-year-old Carreno Busta broke right back for 3-all. The second set ended up in a tiebreak with Carreno Busta racing away with an early lead. Carreno Busta closed out the tiebreak 7-6(7) with a forehand winner.
Carreno Busta took control in the deciding set. An error from Bautista Agut handed his opponent an early break for 3-2.
As Bautista Agut started to tire, Carreno Busta kept hold of his advantage. Serving at match point, Carreno Busta fired down an ace to seal the 6-7(6), 7-6(1), 6-4 win.
Winston-Salem is the first career ATP title for Carreno Busta. He previously reached the finals in Sao Paolo and Estoril.
Bautistia Agut enters the US Open as its No. 15 seed.