Ashley Hewitt captured his first pro title on Saturday in blustery conditions at Newcastle.
With rain a constant threat throughout, 2nd seed Axel Michon drew first blood winning a long first set 6-4. The Parisien then looked on course for his 11th pro singles title, when storming ahead 4-1 40-15 in the second, before an unflappable Hewitt won 5 of the next 7 games to take the match into a tie-break, which he then won 7-4.
With the first two sets being played in drizzle, the clouds started to lift for the final set, much to the pleasure of the large vociferous crowd. They were further cheered by some inspired tennis from 21 year old Hewitt, who after serving out for the title at 5-3, received a standing ovation as the player’s shook hands.
Hewitt was understandably delighted with his first title, having already beaten Borna Coric, Dan Evans, and Dan Smethurst on route to the final.
Images by 'Nick Clark Imaging'