By Chris Oddo | Sunday May 6, 2018
In a battle of first-time ATP finalists, Taro Daniel emerged with his first career title by defeating Malek Jaziri at the Istanbul Open.
Photo Source: Istanbul Open
Japan’s Taro Daniel capped off an improbable run to claim his first career title at the Istanbul Open. The World No.114 edged Malek Jaziri 7-6(4), 6-4 in two hours and 22 minutes.
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Daniel, who upset Novak Djokovic at Indian Wells earlier this season, improves to 7-7 on the campaign. He had never been beyond the quarterfinals at an ATP event prior to this week.
34-year-old Jaziri reached his first final and drops to 15-9 on the season with the loss. He has had a memorable season, reaching his first 500-level semifinal at Dubai prior to his run at Istanbul.
Daniel saved three of five break points and won 22 of 39 second-serve return points to edge Jaziri in a tense battle.
Daniel is projected to rise to No.82 in the world with the title. He earned more victories this week (5) than he did all of last season (4) at the ATP level.