Melbourne – Spain's Fernando Verdasco needed only 44 minutes and one set to win his second title at the Kooyong Classic Friday, when opponent Alexandr Dolgopolov retired in pain with a knee injury after losing the opening set 7-6 (7-3).
The pullout was serious for the Ukrainian, who worries that he could miss the Australian Open if the worst is confirmed by doctors.
“I may need surgery,” said the number 23 who was also out in August and September last year with physical problems. “I'm not sure even if I can play the Australian Open.”
Verdasco was concerned for his colleague. “This is the last way you want to win a match. I'm good friends with Alex and you don't want this to happen to anyone.
“He was feeling pain in the set and that is not good news.”
The eight-man Australian Open tune-up was plagued by hard luck all week, starting with a rain-off on Tuesday's opening day which wiped out play.
With only three days on court instead of four, liberties were taken with scheduling, with semi-finals totally skipped as the tournament simply ran out of time.
Verdasco and Dolgopolov were inserted into the final by virtue of winning their first matches in straight sets.
Verdaso, ranked 33rd, also claimed the Kooyong honours in 2010.
In the playoff for third place, France's Richard Gasquet overcame Japan's number five Kei Nishikori 7-6 (7-4), 7-6 (8-6).
Gasquet looked to be suffering back problems midway through the second set, but later said that nothing was wrong.
The French player needed nearly an hour to win the opening set in a tiebreaker and came through the second in similar fashion only after saving five Nishikori set points in the tenth game, the last one with an ace.
With the second set also proceeding into a decider, Gasquet finally prevailed after an hour and three-quarters on his second match point.
“I feel good, I don't have any big problems,” said the winner, whose ranking has dropped to 26th after an injury-plagued 2014
season,
“I'm feeling good now and working on my fitness. I want to be ready for my first match of the grand slam (against Argentine Carlos Berloq), that one is always difficult.”
Nishikori was also pleased with his own showing at the eight-man special event.
“The first set was tough due to windy and hot conditions, and Richard played very well. His serve is tough to read. His toss is exactly the same but he can then hit any serve he wants.
“In the second set I raised my level and played well. It was a matter of a few points.” – Sapa-dpa