Jesper de Jong failed to win his first ATP title on Sunday in Bastad, Sweden. Despite a strong start, the Dutchman lost in the final to Italian Luciano Darderi (6-4, 3-6, 6-3).
The 25-year-old De Jong was not the favorite in his first ATP final. Darderi is ranked 55th in the world and was even 32nd a year ago.
With his victory in Bastad, Darderi now has three ATP titles to his name. Earlier this year, he won the title in Marrakesh by defeating Tallon Griekspoor in the final. De Jong is currently 106th, but his good week on Swedish clay will see him rise to 83rd place. That will also be his highest ranking ever.
De Jong was the seventeenth Dutchman ever in an ATP final, but he does not join the list of Dutch players with an ATP title.
In total, there are twelve Dutch players with one or more tournament victories at ATP level. Tom Okker has the most titles (26), followed by Richard Krajicek (17) and Sjeng Schalken (9).
De Jong wins first thirteen points
After four consecutive victories in Bastad, the 25-year-old De Jong seemed to start his first ATP final without nerves. He won the first thirteen points and took a 3-0 lead.
Darderi then fought back strongly and only allowed De Jong one more game in the opening set.
De Jong managed to win the second set, but had to concede the deciding set to his Italian opponent.
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