By Owen Linnett
Liam Broady joined the likes of Mardy Fish and former world number one Marat Safin as he was crowned champion on finals day at the 24th edition of the Qube Liverpool International Tennis Tournament.
The Stockport-born man defeated fellow Brit Dan Evans 6-3, 6-3 in the showcase match of the day to confirm an unbeaten record across three wonderful days at Liverpool Cricket Club.
Broady also earned straight sets victories against Herman Hoyeraal and Ivan Ivanov on Thursday and Friday, respectively.
Today’s match between the two friends was played in good spirit in front of a sell-out crowd with the sun beaming down.
Broady broke Evans’ serve to make it 3-1 early on, before later producing a duo of aces to close out the opener.
A similar pattern followed in the second set, with the eventual champion gaining an advantage after five games. The gap was maintained and Broady then finished the match via an accurate backhand passing shot, to become the 24th champion of the Liverpool International.
The 32-year-old will now be hoping to build on his Merseyside win as he heads to Wimbledon qualifying next week with the aim of reaching the main draw.
Broady said: “I feel pretty good after the last three days. I love playing here – I think I first came almost 20 years ago when I was 14. It’s an honour to have my name on the trophy with the likes of Mardy Fish.
”This event is great practice for Wimbledon and hopefully it can allow me to head into it with some confidence.
”I will definitely be back.”
It has been a strong field at the Liverpool International over the past three days, with fellow participants Evans and Ivanov set to join Broady in heading down to SW19.
Home favourite Evans, who recently announced that he would be retiring following this year’s Wimbledon, explained how much he has enjoyed his time on Merseyside.
He said: “Thank you so much to everybody – the crowd, organisers and staff – for a wonderful three days here. In every match I’ve played there has been great support and I have had a great time.”
The former world number 21 will not be returning to the tournament as an active player, but he didn’t rule out making an appearance in the future.
Evans said: “I am not sure if I count as a legend, but I would definitely come back one day.
”I want to be sat where everybody else is, enjoying the hospitality and the weather!”
Reigning Boys’ Wimbledon champion Ivanov finished the Liverpool tournament as runner up, only losing to the eventual winner – Broady.
He defeated Hoyeraal 6-4, 6-4 in today’s opening match, showcasing an aggressive style of tennis that led him to victory in London last year.
His Norwegian opponent has entertained the South Liverpool crowd with his impressive serving skills across all three days of the event.
In fact, he served an incredible 21 aces against Evans on his way to a 6-3, 6-2 victory yesterday.
However, Ivanov managed to neutralise Hoyeraal’s serve with the Bulgarian producing nine aces of his own, compared to his opponent’s four.
The 17-year-old, who trains at the Rafa Nadal Academy, joined Evans and Broady in praising the Qube Liverpool International, as he prepares for a debut men’s singles campaign in SW19.
Ivanov said: “That was definitely my best match today. I am really happy to be back here. I feel brilliant because being here just gives me a really special feeling.
”I have now got a wildcard to Wimbledon because of what I did last year, and I can’t wait for that.
“I hope the crowd will be as good there as they have been here!”
The Qube Liverpool International now draws to a close for another year, after three brilliant days consisting of high quality tennis, hours of entertainment and a vibrant atmosphere.
But fans will be able to return next year for the 25th anniversary of the event which promises to be a special occasion – more to follow soon.
