Italian weapon Matteo Berrettini saw off Andy Murray in three sets to earn his maiden title of the 2022 season.
Both finalists enjoyed a memorable tournament, with the two-time Wimbledon champion gaining more ever-precious confidence on the grass while Berrettini has made a fairy tale comeback following his injury.
However, there could only be one champion to sum up this week's proceedings in Stuttgart and, after a lengthy battle of over two and a half hours, it was the Italian who came out triumphant, beating the Scot 6-4, 5-7, 6-3.
With this win, it means that Berrettini also kept his spot in the Top 10 of the ATP rankings, putting in him the best stead possible for the remaining tournaments of the grass court swing.
Post-match, he explained how he feels that he can perform even better and that he has much more left in the tank:
“It is unbelievable. It was obviously a goal [to win the title], but I thought it would be really, really tough. I don’t even think I played my best tennis, but that is why I am even more proud of myself. Mentally I was really tough."
"I did an unbelievable job to be there. I fought hard and this means a lot. My body is hurting a little bit. It had been three matches without matches and today was almost three hours, so I am feeling it."
It really has been the dream recovery from injury for the Italian, who will look to push on now and get into the Wimbledon draw in the best form and shape possible.
He will undoubtedly be looking to match or better his 2021 result at The All England Club, when he reached the final. He certainly does have a game style very much suited to the grass, with many pundits claiming he has a real chance of claiming the crown.
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