Federico Staksrud Dethrones Defending Champ Ben Johns in Epic Cincinnati Final
CINCINNATI - In a thrilling gold medal match that went down to the wire, Argentina's Federico Staksrud finally got the best of American phenom Ben Johns, defeating him 11-9, 3-11, 11-9 to capture the men's singles title at the 2023 Cincinnati Open on Sunday.
It was a monumental win for the 29-year-old Staksrud, who had fallen to Johns in all four of their previous finals matchups. But this time, he was able to dig deep and come through in the clutch moments.
"This is so special," Staksrud said afterwards. "Ben is such a champion and an incredible player. I knew I had to play my absolute best to have a chance."
Johns burst out of the gates, racing out to a quick 5-0 lead in the second game after dropping the first. "That game is getting out of hand real quick," commented broadcaster Dave Fleming, as Johns cruised to an 11-3 win.
But Staksrud refused to go quietly, bouncing back to take game three out of the break. After falling behind 1-4, he ripped a forehand winner down the line to get back within one at 4-3. "Stax is not going away quietly," noted commentator Hannah Johns.
The two dazzled with an array of around-the-post winners and delicate drop shots throughout, but it was Staksrud's serve and forehand that proved too much in the end.
At 8-8 in the decisive third game, a big hold from Staksrud gave him his first match point. When Johns' final forehand found the net, Staksrud let out a roar of delight.
"Today was my day," he said. "What a battle."
With the victory, Staksrud becomes the first player other than Johns to win a Cincinnati singles title since 2019.
Johns, ever the gracious champion, praised his conqueror during the trophy ceremony. "All credit to Federico today," he said. "He earned it."
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