Zverev stuns Wawrinka for first ATP title

ST. PETERSBURG — US Open champion Stan Wawrinka came up short against rising German star Alexander Zverev in the Saint Petersburg Open final Sunday, the teenager claiming his debut ATP title 6-2, 3-6, 7-5. 
Zverev, the 19-year-old Monte Carlo resident, came into the final full of confidence and broke the Swiss top seed's serve twice for a one-set lead in 39 minutes. 
In the second set, world No. 3 Wawrinka, who has won 11 of his previous ATP finals, also broke twice to level at one-set all after one hour 22 minutes on court. 
Wawrinka, 31, broke early in the deciding set but the 27-ranked Zverev broke back twice to close out his win in two hours 23 minutes. 
"I'm full of emotions! I just couldn't have chosen a better place to win my maiden title," said Zverev, who has Russian origins, at the hardcourt of Sibur Arena. 
"It was really hard when I was trailing 3-0 in the deciding set but I forced myself to keep on fighting. And now I'm really happy with my win." 
Wawrinka congratulated Zverev calling him the future of tennis.
"You're the future of the tennis but you're already at the top," the Swiss said. 
"Today you've played a great match and won deservedly. My congratulations for what you're doing so far." Pouille beats Thiem for 1st career title Lucas Pouille clinched his first career title Sunday, beating top-seeded Dominic Thiem of Austria 7-6 (5), 6-2 to win the Moselle Open final. 
The third-seeded Frenchman, a US Open quarterfinalist earlier this month, clipped a neat volley for match point and then hit an ace down the middle. 
The 22-year-old Pouille tilted his head back and then wagged a finger in celebration, before the 10th-ranked Thiem hugged him at the net. 
"I'm really happy to win my first title here. I played well from the beginning," Pouille said. It has been a breakthrough year for the No. 18-ranked Pouille, who has beaten five top 10-ranked players this year — including Rafael Nadal at the US Open. 
Pouille gave special thanks to his coach, Emmanuel Planque, who looked tearful when Pouille made his victory speech.
"Thanks Manu, for everything," Pouille said. "It's in large part thanks to you that I'm here now." — AFP