A Dive & A Win: Johnson Triumphs In Newport

The Dell Technologies Hall of Fame Open was full of upsets, with just two seeded players advancing to the quarter-finals, where top-seeded Adrian Mannarino was ousted. But one tournament favourite never faltered on the grounds of the International Tennis Hall of Fame.

Third seed Steve Johnson did not lose more than three games in a set en route to the final, where he defeated first-time ATP World Tour finalist Ramkumar Ramanathan 7-5, 3-6, 6-2 on Sunday to claim his fourth tour-level trophy.

It is the first time that the 28-year-old has won multiple titles in one campaign, after retaining his trophy in Houston earlier this year. Johnson had never moved past the quarter-finals in three previous main draw appearances in Newport. But he won 83 per cent of first-serve points against the World No. 161 to triumph on grass for the second time.

Johnson, who is one of just two players on the ATP World Tour this season (also Roger Federer) to win titles on multiple surfaces, will climb 14 spots to No. 34 in the ATP Rankings thanks to the 250 points he adds to his tally. He will also take home $99,375 in prize money.

Ramanathan was attempting to become the first Indian ATP World Tour titlist since Leander Paes was victorious at the International Tennis Hall of Fame 20 years ago. He earns 150 points for the best result of his career, as well as $52,340.