Barthel M. defeated Kubka M. 7-5, 6-4 in Warsaw, winning a straight-sets contest built on return pressure. Barthel converted six break points to Kubka's four and won 38 return points to 23.
The first set swung constantly, with seven breaks of serve. Kubka led 5-3, but Barthel broke in game nine at 5-4 and again in game eleven at 5-6 before serving out the set. In the second, Barthel broke to lead 3-2, was pegged back immediately, then broke again in game seven and closed out 6-4.
The numbers underline the difference: Barthel won 63% of first-serve points to Kubka's 50%, despite serving five double faults. Kubka landed 69% of first serves and made only two double faults, but could not hold off a returner who created constant pressure.