Haas downs Djokovic to win Halle title

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* Haas beats Djokovic on grass to win Halle title

* First title for Haas since Memphis in 2007

* German has now won titles on all surfaces

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By Karolos Grohmann

HALLE, Germany, June 14 - Tommy Haas won his first title in more than two years when he beat world number four Novak Djokovic 6-3 6-7 6-1 in the Halle tournament final on Sunday.

Haas, a former world number two who had not won a title since Memphis in 2007 after being plagued by a shoulder injury, was the more consistent in a baseline encounter that lasted two hours 12 minutes.

"It is such a great feeling to hold a trophy again," said Haas, who has now won titles on all surfaces. "It makes all the setbacks go away.

"I am not thinking of Wimbledon right now, just enjoying the moment. But sure, this win gives me confidence going into the tournament."

Both players stayed on the baseline and initially held serve comfortably, allowing no break opportunity. The 31-year-old Haas, world number 41, finally carved out a break at 4-3 and served out the set a game later.

Djokovic, who has had trouble adjusting to the grass after a long clay court season, added more variety to his game, rushing at times to the net to force a tiebreak in the second set.

THREE DOUBLE FAULTS

The 22-year-old Serbian took advantage of an erratic Haas, who double-faulted three times in the tiebreak to hand Djokovic the set.

Djokovic himself double-faulted on a break point to give Haas a 2-0 lead in the third set. He then wasted four break points of his own, allowing the German to go 3-0 up before breaking again to win the match.

"I was lucky to win the second set. Tommy made some crucial double faults," Djokovic told reporters.

"The week was great. I played enough matches prior to Wimbledon," said Djokovic who has never won a title on grass and refused to label himself as one of the favourites for Wimbledon, which starts on June 22.

"I have not done a great job there last year, losing in the second round. So I would not rate myself as a favourite for Wimbledon."

(Editing by Clare Fallon; To query or comment on this story email sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)

This story is from ESPN.com's automated news wire. Wire index

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