Robin Haase claims first ATP title

HEAD racquet rebel Robin Haase won the first career title on the ATP World Tour and claimed the first for the Netherlands in seven years with his 6-4, 4-6, 6-1 victory over Albert Montanes at the Bet-At-Home Cup in Kitzbühel. Haase, playing with a YouTek Prestige Mid, is the first from his nation to lift a trophy on the ATP since former French Open finalist Martin Verkerk won at home in Amersfoort in 2004.

"It’s an amazing feeling. I’m really happy that I won," said Haase, who has come through several seasons of injury setbacks. "It was one of the goals this year to make it into a semi-final or final - and maybe win it. I was close a few times when I played good but actually lost to good players. To win this match and beat good players this week was really great."

Haase made his title breakthrough during a week when he put out second seed Feliciano Lopez and No. 6 Andreas Seppi in a heavy-duty Thursday. Haase credited his serve with seeing him through the best week of his career. "I served well from the beginning of the week. I attacked with my forehand and I defended really, really well. Haase won't stop with his title, setting his sights higher. "I want to win another one or reach another final. But I won't say that I immediately want to reach the Top 30 (current ranking: 44). Step-by-step I’m improving, this is a big step for me."