Fish First American To Win AT Newport Hall Of Fame In 7 Years

NEWPORT, R.I. (AP) – Mardy Fish has won the Hall of Fame Tennis

Championships, rallying for a 5-7, 6-3, 6-4 victory over

fourth-seeded Olivier Rochus of Belgium.

Fish overcome his frustration at a close line call at the end of

the first set Sunday to win his fourth career title. The

fifth-seeded American entered the week ranked 79th.

It's the first time since 2002-03 Americans won on Newport's

grass courts two straight years. Rajeev Ram won in 2009.

On the final point of the first set, Rochus hit a return to the

back corner. Fish appeared ready to play the ball and let it go.

The chair umpire said Rochus won the game and set. Fish argued and

waved his racket to the chair.

Rochus fell to 2-6 in ATP finals. It was his first on grass.

 

(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)