Chardy and Riske win Fuzion 100 Surbiton Trophy titles
Jeremy Chardy battled past Alex De Minaur and Alison Riske overcame Conny Perrin to be crowned 2018 Fuzion 100 Surbiton Trophy champions at the Surbiton Racket and Fitness Club on Sunday.
Top seed Chardy has been on fine form all week, serving and moving well and oozing confidence but he faced a tough battle against 19-year-old De Minaur, eventually prevailing 64 46 62 after one hour 39 minutes.
“To win a title is always a great feeling. It was a long time for me without winning a trophy so I’m really happy,” said Chardy. “This week was a really good week for me. I played really good in every match so I’m really happy with my performance and it’s a good start to the grass court season.”
While De Minaur is still chasing that elusive ATP Challenger title, it has been a milestone week for the Australian who broke into the Top 100 for the first time on Friday.
“It’s always bittersweet when you play a great tournament but don’t manage to get it done at the end. It’s happened to me a couple of times now but it just means I need to get back out there, work harder and get better,” said the No. 6 seed. “I’m very happy with my level throughout the whole week. Jeremy was too good today and he deserved to win after playing a great third set.”
No. 2 seed Riske defeated Perrin 62 64 to lift the trophy in the women’s event. The world No. 83 didn’t drop a set on her way to the title on her first appearance at Surbiton.
Riske secured a double break to claim the first set and then survived a comeback in the second as her Swiss opponent battled back from 5-1 to 5-4 to claim victory. The American was presented with her trophy by Australia’s Judy Dalton, the nine-time Grand Slam doubles champion and former Surbiton winner.
“I’m super excited, grass is my favourite surface and to have my first week end with a title is definitely special,” said Riske. “She played very well. She has a lot of things that can pose some trouble, particularly on grass as she’s got a great serve, she moves very well and she’s crafty. I had to counter all of that and I’m proud of my performance.”
Perrin was pleased with her performance this week which saw her reach her first $100,000 final on grass.
“I did well, it wasn’t enough today but I can be happy and take a lot of positives from this week,” said Perrin. “I know a tennis match is never over until the match point and I know it’s never easy when you are in the final as there’s a bit more pressure. I just tried to stay there every point and keep fighting and giving what I have, it was almost enough but she was better.”
The Fuzion 100 Trophy Series action now moves to Manchester, where qualifying got underway today and the main draw starts on Tuesday