Vesely Victorious At Pune, Edges Gerasimov

Jiri Vesely collected his first title in five years edging surprise finalist Egor Gerasimov 7-6(2), 5-7, 6-3 to win in Pune.

Vesely had saved match points in the quarters and the semifinals, but in the championship match cracked 26 aces against the Belarussian en route to his second career crown.

“I have to be realistic. I had a lot of luck in the week, saving six match points, two matches in a row,” said Vesely whose last win came at 2015 Auckland. “I think that happens once in a lifetime, maybe, you never know.

“Two matches in a row, especially in the quarterfinals and semifinals, is really big.”

The 27-year-old Gerasimov was appearing in his first career ATP level final.

“I am taking all the positives from this,” said Gerasimov. “I wish that many more [finals] come.”

Gerasimov will climb from No. 90 to near No. 70. Vesely, a former Top 35 player, will be about one spot behind Gerasimov in the new rankings.

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