For Struff, this was the second final in Szczecin. A year ago he had lost to his native, Dustin Brown, who had won 6:4, 6:3. This year, his rival was (at least theoretically), easier (Smirnov is ranked nearly 300 places lower than him by ATP), so the German was considered the certain winner even before the game started. 

 

The event, held on 20 September on the tennis court at Aleja Wojska Polskiego in Szczecin, exactly matched the expectations.  Struff did not give the opponent any chances when serving, and was determined to break Smirnov’s serve whenever possible.  In the beginning there was a small problem (in the second game, Smirnov recovered from 0:40) but at last the German player got his own way, broke the opponent’s serve and won 6:4. 

 

The second set looked very similar to the first one. Both players were good and had several interesting exchanges, but the serve power turned out to be crucial again. Struff was working hard on his own games again, broke the serve of the Ukrainian player and closed the match with the result 6:4, 6:3. Just a few minutes after the end of the meeting, when the awarding ceremony was being prepared, it started raining. Thus, the replay of 2011, when the final match end has to be postponed until Monday due to rain, was avoided. 

 

– ‘When I looked at the ranking a week ago, and saw the players coming to Szczecin this year, quite frankly I could not believe I would win’, said Struff at a press conference after the tournament.  “It was tough and I had to play a series of difficult matches, but I have succeeded and I am very happy. 

 

– I have never before won such an event.  Now I need to think where to put the trophy.  My girlfriend will surely find a good place at home to exhibit it.  Or maybe I give it to my folks… We shall see.” 

 

Smirnov was also satisfied with his achievement.  “This was a wonderful week, the week of my life success.  It will result in my substantial advancement in the ranking, which will make my situation much easier in the coming months.  I had planned to play in challengers by the year end. Thanks to the score won in Szczecin, I will not have to play in eliminations. I will be seeded. 

 

mab