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TennisHe wins in the final on the day of the burial of his grandfather
Estonian Mark Lajal won a challenger a week ago in the United States, while in his country his family paid a last tribute to his ancestor.
Mark Lajal will not forget this final day.
IMAGO/Orange PicturesMark Lajal, no 1 Estonian, will long remember Sunday July 27. That day, in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan in the United States, he won his second title on the Challenger circuit by beating the American Andres Martin 6-7 (7/9) 7-6 (11/9), after a long fight of three hours and 22 minutes.
This title seemed to be intended for him. The 22 -year -old saved five match balls before winning the Cup. A trophy with a particular taste since the same day, in Estonia, his family buried his grandfather, Tonu, who died a few days earlier.
Mark Lajal had learned the news of his death when he was playing qualifying in Mexico. “I think I managed the situation rather well, because we all knew that it would happen sooner or later. He aged and it was regrettable, his health deteriorated, “said Lajal on the ATP website. “I did not expect it to happen so early, but I had already accepted that the time had come.”
The Estonian, 147th world player, nevertheless at the top of tennis memories with his grandfather. At the start of the year, during the victory of Estonia against Venezuela in the Davis Cup, Tonu was able to attend the match. His last outing near a short.
Lajal was delighted: “He came to watch my match in Estonia and he really appreciated. It was a very good memory that he was there for the victory. ”
