CINCINNATI, Aug. 13 -- Thomas Enqvist claimed his first title of the season Sunday and spoiled Tim Henman's attempt to win his first since 1998 as the Swede prevailed, 7-6 (7-5), 6-4, at the Tennis Masters Series -- Cincinnati.
The seventh-seeded Enqvist bounced back from a right ankle injury suffered last week in Toronto and captured his 17th career ATP Tour title, including a third Tennis Masters Series title. He collected a first prize of $400,000.
Enqvist, 26, improved his season record to 35-15 and claimed his first singles title since winning at Stockholm in November.
For Henman, his futility in ATP Tour finals continued as his finals record fell to 0-7 since winning at Basel, Switzerland two years ago. He was seeking his fifth career singles title.
Henman's performance was a disappointing finish to a successful week which saw him eliminate the last two Grand Slam champions in succession. He defeated Wimbledon champion Pete Sampras for the first time in his career in the third round and beat French Open champion Gustavo Kuerten in the semifinals.
Henman committed the crucial mistake in the first-set tiebreak as he double-faulted to give Enqvist a 6-5 advantage and a chance to serve out the set. Enqvist did just that on the next point as he hit a low forehand which forced Henman to net his own forehand.
With the momentum on his side, Enqvist immediately broke in the opening game of the second set. Henman prevanted himself from getting into a deeper hole as he saved two break points in the fifth game and eventually held.
But the missed opportunities continued for Henman as he could not convert a break point in the sixth game and two more in the eighth game.
Henman staved off two match points on his serve in the ninth game and forced Enqvist to serve out the match. Enqvist failed twice more to close out Henman, but after an ace set up his fifth match point, Enqvist got a little help from the net to seal the championship as his forehand return clipped the cord and dropped over.
