Gicquel/Llodra Battle To Win Montpellier Title

© Open Sud de FranceMarc Gicquel and Michael Llodra celebrate winning the Montpellier title.

Marc Gicquel and Michael Llodra have become the eighth all-French pair to win the doubles title at the Open Sud de France (since 1987).

Gicquel and Llodra defeated Swede Johan Brunstrom and Raven Klaasen of South Africa 6-3, 3-6, 11-9 in the Montpellier final on Sunday. All-French teams have now won the title in six of the past eight years.

In capturing their first ATP World Tour team title, Gicquel and Llodra received €22,500 in prize money and 250 Emirates ATP Doubles Rankings points. Brunstrom and Klaasen share €11,830 and 150 points.

Gicquel and Llodra could not convert their first championship point at 9-8 in the Match Tie-break, but clinched victory on their second opportunity. The duo saved five of six break points in the 81-minute encounter.

“Now I can say that I won all the French tournaments – except Roland Garros – as Montpellier was the one I was missing,” said Llodra. “My objective in doubles is to beat Guy’s [Forget] doubles record of 28 titles. I won’t stop until I beat him.

“I am very happy about this 24th title. I’m not sure how many different partners I’ve had, but I am very happy to have won with my friend ‘Marco’ here in Montpellier. He’s a great guy and we had a blast all week.”

Gicquel lifted his first doubles trophy since the 2010 Brisbane International, while Llodra improved to 24-21 in doubles finals and maintained his record of winning one title every year since 2003.

“It’s been a great week for me and I want to thank ‘Mika’ for playing with me here in Montpellier,” said Gicquel. “We had a lot of fun on and off court and I am delighted that my fourth career title comes here in Montpellier and in France.”

Brunstrom, who also finished runner-up with Frederik Nielsen at the Heineken Open last month, dropped to a 1-12 record in title matches. Klaasen was appearing in his first ATP World Tour final. Two weeks ago, Brunstrom and Klaasen won the Heilbronn title on the ATP Challenger Tour.

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