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HEAD Pros Ljubicic and Stakhovsky Swing to Victory

Kennelbach, Austria — HEAD players enjoyed success last week at various tournaments around the world.

HEAD player Ivan Ljubicic ended his title drought last weekend in Lyon capturing his first ATP title in two years. Ljubicic, who plays with a MicroGEL Extreme Pro with Teflon® polymer, got off to a fast start in tournament play and only dropped one set on the way to the finals.

“It is an amazing feeling to capture the title in Lyon, the site of my first title in 2001,” said Ljubicic. “I started the tournament strong and was able to carry the momentum with me to earn my 9th career title.”

Upon reaching the finals, Ljubicic made quick work of Frenchman Michel Llodra 7-5, 6-3 earning his 9th career ATP title.

HEAD pro Gilles Simon also put together a strong performance in Lyon earning a trip to the semifinals where he was bested in a close match 6-7(4), 6-3, 7-6(1).

HEAD pro Sergiy Stakhovsky became the third qualifier this year to win a final after winning a breathtaking match against fellow HEAD pro Horacio Zeballos 2-6, 7-6 (8), 7-6 (7) in St. Petersburg. On his way to the finals, Stakhovsky defeated HEAD player Marat Safin 6-4, 4-6, 6-4. Stakhovsky plays with a HEAD MicroGEL Prestige MP. With this victory, Stakhovsky earned his second career ATP title.

“This was an extremely hard-fought battle,” said Stakhovsky. “To come into the tournament as a qualifier and capture the title, it was an extremely rewarding experience.

HEAD player Marin Cilic, who plays with a YOUTEK™ Radical MP, reached the finals where he fell to local pro Jurgen Melzer 6-4, 6-3. Prior to reaching the finals, Cilic dominated tournament play without dropping a single set.

Despite his loss, Cilic still has a chance to qualify for the ATP World Tour Finals in London later this month.

Posted on November 3, 2009
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