Bogomolov Returns to Kalamazoo a Champion
Playing before a large crowd on Court One at Stowe Stadium, Bogomolov outdueled Brian Baker in a ferocious baseline battle, winning in straight sets 6-4, 7-5, 6-3.
The match was tightly contested throughout. The first seven service games of the match reached deuce, and neither player dropped serve until Bogomolov converted a break point to go up 5-4. He held easily to take the set 6-4.
In the second set, Bogomolov broke Baker's serve in the first game, though he needed four break points before he could take the game. Baker would break back and the set remained even until Bogomolov broke Baker for a 6-5 lead. He held easily to take command of the match.
In the third set, Bogomolov's hard, deep returns took their toll on Baker's service game, and Bogomolov closed out the match 6-3.
Granted a wild card by the USTA to gain entry in to the tournament, Bogomolov displayed a fierce determination to win throughout the week. Prior to the title match, the Floridian had not lost more than four games in a set and had dictated play with his powerful return and ground strokes. Baker, a 16 year old playing in the 18s, matched Bogomolov shot for shot in nearly every game in the finals, but Bogomolov's three years of front court experience in Kalamazoo eventually prevailed.
With his victory, Bogomolov earns a wild card into the main draw of the U.S. Open later this month, then begins his freshman year at Texas Christian University.
Source: Matt
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