Is it Ian Westermann’s dark haired Ukrainian right-handed doppleganger?  Whatever the case, Sergiy Stakhovsky has won his fourth title, and his second this year.  His opponent was Denis Istomin whose story of a car accident that broke his leg as a teen and left him playing no tennis for two years is one that might serve as inspiration.

Stakhovsky won despite dropping the first set, 6-3, to Istomin, by taking sets 2 and 3 by the scores of 6-3 and 6-4.  Stakhovsky shows a bit of touch, hitting drop shots with his forehand.  The two had only met in Challenger events with Istomin winning 3 of 4, but it was the Ukrainian who won.  Istomin plays for Uzbekistan, but lives in Russia, trained by his mother.

The event was played Saturday evening so the players would have an additional day to recover and get ready for the US Open.  Istomin has the tougher draw, potentially having to face Rafa Nadal in the second round.  Stakhovsky might have to play Ljubicic in the second round which, while tough, is better than facing Rafa.

US Open main rounds start on Monday.  Roger Federer and Nikolay Davydenko play on the first day.  Federer will start his first match in an evening match against Brian Dabul of Argentina.  Davydenko starts off with Michael Russell.