THE HAGUE, Feb. 16 (Xinhua) -- Tomas Berdych won the 41st edition of the ABN Amro World Tennis Tournament in Rotterdam, an ATP World Tour 500 event, on Sunday.
The 28-year-old Czech, seeded as number three, beat Croat Marin Cilic 6-4, 6-2 in the final. Berdych had a difficult start of the match. Cilic created three break opportunities in the opening game, but was not able to convert on of them.
After that slow start Berdych did not give Cilic any chances. The hardhitting world number seven only allowed Cilic six more points on his own service and ended the match with a love game.
With his win in Rotterdam Berdych succeeded illustrious names like the last two winners Roger Federer (2012) and Juan Martin del Potro (2013), who was ousted in the quarterfinals this year. Berdych won his first ATP title since October 2012, when he won in Stockholm.
"I am very happy to win this tournament," Berdych said. "There are always strong competitors in Rotterdam. This year there were five players out of the top-10. Next year I will be back to defend my title."