"Don't know where I pulled that out of": Marcos Giron wins first ATP title in tense Newport finish

Marcos Giron hit 13 aces in Sunday’s Infosys Hall of Fame Open final. The No. 2 seed needed every last one to get across the line for his maiden tour-level title in Newport—and a nice little bonus.

“Thank you for my early birthday present!” the soon-to-be 31-year-old Giron exclaimed on court.

Down championship point at 4-5, 30-40 to teenage compatriot Alex Michelsen, Giron fired his 12th ace down the T. Two potent forehand winners on the back of well-placed serves followed in a steely display by the former NCAA champion.

Michelsen, who reached the final last year before forgoing his original college plans, couldn’t stop the tide from turning despite fighting off 15-40 in the next game. Giron put the match on his racquet with a looping crosscourt backhand pass that drew a volley error. On his second chance to close out the third seed, Giron appropriately reached back for ace No. 13—this time out wide—to seal the deal: 6-7 (4), 6-3, 7-5.

Said a gutted Michelson afterwards during the trophy presentation, “I can’t believe you hit an ace on match point. Please tell me that was your best serving day of your life? Just make it feel a little better.”

“I’m sorry, man. I don’t know where I pulled that out of. Honestly, that was insane,” responded his conqueror.

Three of Giron’s four victories this week came in deciding sets. The Thousand Oaks, Calif. native is slated to break the Top 40 when Monday’s new rankings are released, as he gets set to represent the U.S. at a second Olympic Games in Paris.

With Nuno Borges triumphing earlier in the day over Rafael Nadal in Bastad, Giron became the ninth different first-time winner on the ATP Tour this season.