Breakthrough: Muller wins at Sydney to prevent British sweep

Posted January 14, 2017 6:00 am

The Associated Press

Gilles Muller of Luxembourg holds his trophy as he celebrates his win over Britain's Daniel Evans in the men's singles final of the Sydney International tennis tournament in Sydney, Australia, Saturday, Jan. 14, 2017. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft) The Associated Press

SYDNEY (AP) - Luxembourg veteran Gilles Muller prevented an all-Britain singles sweep at the Sydney International, beating Daniel Evans 7-6 (5), 6-2 in the men's final Saturday.

It was the 33-year-old Muller's first ATP win in his sixth final. At No. 34, he had been the highest-ranked player on the ATP Tour to have not won a tournament.

Sydney-born Johanna Konta of Britain won the women's final on Friday over Agnieszka Radwanska.

Muller had played 16 years and more than 260 matches to achieve his first tournament win.

He broke down during the trophy presentation ceremony.

"It just means so much to win for the first time in front of my boys and my wife," Muller said. "It's been a great ride so far ... what a night."

Muller won $78,000 and a rankings boost that will lift him into the top 30 for the first time.

He has a first-round Australian Open match against American Taylor Fritz.

Gilles Muller of Luxembourg, left, and Britain's Daniel Evans, right, pose for a photo with their trophies with former player Rod Laver after Muller won the men's singles final at the Sydney International tennis tournament in Sydney, Australia, Saturday, Jan. 14, 2017. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft) The Associated Press

Gilles Muller of Luxembourg plays a shot to Britain's Daniel Evans during the men's singles final at the Sydney International tennis tournament in Sydney, Australia, Saturday, Jan. 14, 2017. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft) The Associated Press

Article Comments

Article Comments

Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.