Maxime Cressy took the biggest step of his exciting career as the young American won his first ATP title in Newport today by beating Alexander Bublik 26 63 76.
“It’s an incredible feeling to win my first title, I never thought I would win it this way,” Cressey said. “I played my first ATP tournament here, and it’s always an incredible atmosphere. There were a lot of ups and downs today but I’m very proud of myself for fighting through it.”
Cressy fell in love with Newport his first time here three years ago which ended in first round exits in singles and doubles.
Cressy began the match with unimpressive play as he fell behind 62 30 to Bublik, seeking his second ATP title this year (Marseilles).
But Cressy is a warrior and tough to kill. On the brink of losing his third ATP final this year, Cressy suddenly snapped out of his funk and won six straight games to force the third set. It looked like Cressy’s serve became more effective, as did his volleys. The wounded animal is the most dangerous?
Cressy sustained the momentum and in the 3-2 game, had three break points on Bublik’s serve. But Bublik survived and the duel would eventually reach the super breaker.
It was Cressy who was the cooler, more efficient player in the tiebreaker, with the passionate support of the stadium court crowd “LETS GO CRESSY LETS GO CRESSY!!” , Cressy finished Bublik off 7-3.
Bublik, despite blowing a 6-2 3-0 lead with a break point for 4-0, said after: “You had great luck. Put your whole prize money on red. You’re going to win big.”
Cressy replied… “I apologize for being lucky.”
“As soon as I step into Newport, I have a renewed sense of joy. I played my first ATP Tour tournament here, and it’s incredibly special to be part of such a historical tournament and incredible to win my first title here.”
Maxime Cressy · Newport Hall of Fame · UCLA
