Infosys Hall of Fame Open - Maxime Cressy bounces from a set down to lift his first ATP trophy

The aggressive style and free-flowing game of Maxime Cressy helped him advance to the championship match at the Infosys Hall of Fame Open, having lost just one game on the first serve. The 25-year-old American faltered in the very first service game of the final and dropped a point by missing a high backhand volley.

Alexander Bublik took control of the game and went on to win nine of the first 11 games of the match with his quick playstyle and power-packed service games. He won the first set 2-6, following which he raced to a 0-3 lead in the second. Things were looking tense for Maxime Cressy as the 25-year-old Kazhak crept closer to winning his second ATP tour-level trophy. 

However, Maxime Cressy maintained his composure and roared back by sweeping six consecutive games to win the second set 6-3. He flipped the momentum into his favor after a poor start to send the match into a decider. Alexander Bublik regained his momentum and gave a tough fight to his American opponent to send the final set into a tiebreak after saving three breakpoints. 

No. 4 seed Maxime Cressy took a 4/2 lead in the third set tiebreak with the crowd firmly on his side. He made no mistake and pushed forth to end the error-filled match by securing his maiden ATP title with a 7-6(6-3) victory in the tiebreak.

In an on-court interview, Maxime Cressy said, “It’s an incredible feeling to win my first title. I never thought I would win it this way. I played my first ATP tournament here, and it’s always an incredible atmosphere. There were a lot of ups and downs today, but I’m very proud of myself for fighting through it.”

The victory improved the win-loss record of Maxime Cressy in the finals to 1-2, with the American losing at his previous two finals at the ATP 250 events in Melbourne and Eastbourne earlier this year. His title run in Newport ensures that the 25-year-old American will be a seeded player at the 2022 US Open.