MILAN, Italy, Feb. 2 (UPI) -- Martin Verkerk won his first career ATP title Sunday by upsetting Russian veteran Yevgeny Kafelnikov in the final of the Milan Indoors tennis tournament.
After playing most of his professional career on the lower levels of men's tennis, Verkerk edged fifth-seeded Kafelnikov, 6-4, 5-7, 7-5, in his first career ATP final.
The 24-year-old Dutchman held on against the former world No. 1 and gained a crucial break in the 11th game of the third set.
Verkerk, who began the week just 9-17 in ATP Tour singles action and 78th in this year's Champions Race, won his third three-set match this week.
The Dutch 18-under champion in 1995, Verkerk had tasted success in Italy before, winning his first Challenger circuit title in Turan last year.
Despite failing to win his 27th career title, Kafelnikov enjoyed his best week since winning at Tashkent last September. The 28-year-old Russian underwent surgery for a varicose vein on his left leg in December that nearly led to his retirement.
