ATP Hamburg: Pablo Carreno Busta tops Filip Krajinovic for career-best title

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World no. 13 Pablo Carreno Busta secured the sixth ATP title and the first outside the ATP 250 level in Hamburg, beating Filip Krajinovic 6-2, 6-4 in an hour and 22 minutes. It was their second meeting and the first win for the Spaniard, who had the upper hand with 27 winners and 15 unforced errors.

On the other hand, the Serb couldn't find his A-game, staying under ten winners and spraying too many mistakes while trying to lift the first ATP trophy. After the match, Krajinovic got emotional, as he wanted to win the crown badly but couldn't play at his best.

Both players served under 60%, and Pablo drew more from his initial shot, dropping only 11 points in nine service games and never facing a break chance. On the other hand, the Spaniard converted all three break opportunities to control the scoreboard and grab 500 points that make him a top-10 contender again.

Pablo Carreno Busta claimed the first ATP 500 title in Hamburg.

Carreno Busta held at 15 with a forehand down the line winner in the second game and broke Krajinovic in the next one to forge the advantage. The Spaniard fired a service winner in the fourth game and held at love two games later to remain in front.

Losing ground completely, Filip lost serve again at 2-4 when his rival landed a forehand crosscourt winner and allowed Pablo to seal the set a few minutes later with a service winner. The Serb suffered another break at the beginning of the second set, dropping serve for the third time in five games and facing a mountain to climb if he wanted to get back on the positive side.

In game two, Carreno Busta held after deuce to cement the lead and produced another good hold with a booming serve for a 3-1 advantage. After that break he suffered in the early stages, Krajinovic served well and followed the rival's pace, still needed that first break to turn the tables and extend his chances.

Pablo held after deuce in game eight for an essential step towards the finish line, leaving Filip to serve for staying in the match. Former Paris Masters finalist held at 15 to reduce the deficit before Pablo sealed the deal with a hold at 15 a few minutes later for his sixth and most significant ATP crown.