Sousa downs Ruusuvuori in Pune for first title since 2018

The Portuguese will return to the world’s top 100 on Monday

INDIAN WELLS, CA – OCTOBER 07: Joao Sousa of Portugal gets ready to hit a backhand shot during a tennis match played on October 7, 2021 at the BNP Paribas Open played at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden in Indian Wells, CA. || 209162_0039 2021 ATP BNP PARIBAS OPEN INDIAN WELLS sport tennis

Simon Cambers

February 6, 2022

Portugal’s Joao Sousa won his fourth career title – and his first since 2018 – when he outlasted Finn Emil Ruusuvuori 7-6 (9),4-6, 6-1 to win the Tata Open Maharashtra in Pune.

The world No 137, who was once as high as No 28, pinched the first set on the tiebreak and though Ruusuvuori levelled, he pulled away in the third to clinch the title. He’ll rise to around No 86 when the rankings are updated on Monday.

"A dream come true" 👊

It's so good to have him back winning titles! #TataOpenMaharastra pic.twitter.com/PNzD8mnSiw
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) February 6, 2022

The victory completes a remarkable week for the 32-year-old Sousa, who saved match points in his semi-final win over Elias Ymer.

He’s saved match points en route to victory in three of his four ATP Tour titles, the ATP confirmed.

World No. 137 @JoaoSousa30 becomes lowest-ranked champion in 26-year history of @MaharashtraOpen, beating Emil Ruusuvuori 7-6(9) 4-6 6-1.

Sousa has now saved match point(s) en route to 3 of his 4 @ATPTour titles. He saved 3 match points in #TataOpenMaharashtra SF vs Elias Ymer.
— ATP Media Info (@ATPMediaInfo) February 6, 2022