Haas takes first title on grass at age 31, upsetting Djokovic

HALLE, Germany (AP) — Tommy Haas upset second-seeded Novak Djokovic 6-3, 6-7 (4), 6-1 in the Gerry Weber Open final on Sunday to win his first title on grass.

The 31-year-old German became the oldest ATP tour winner this year after collecting his 12th career title in the warm-up for Wimbledon. Haas has now won titles on all surfaces.

It was his first title since winning in Memphis in February 2007.

"It means a lot to me to beat a player as classy as you in the final," Haas said during the victory ceremony. The sellout crowd of 11,500 gave Haas a standing ovation.

Haas was ranked No. 2 in 2002, but injuries have hampered his career in recent years and he had his third shoulder surgery in November 2007. He entered this week's tournament ranked No. 41 and will move up about five spots.

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"It's incredible, I can hardly believe it myself when I think of the highs and lows I've been through in the last year and a half," Haas said. "It's been a dream week."

He had his best showing at the French Open in seven years when he reached the fourth round, losing to eventual champion Roger Federer in five sets after winning the first two.

Djokovic was in his second career final on grass, after Queens last year. He lost his fourth final of the year. He has two titles this season.

"I did not play well at all," Djokovic said. "I was lucky to win the second set."

Haas never faced a break point in the first two sets but he had two double faults in the tiebreaker to allow Djokovic to take a 5-2 lead. Djokovic lost the next two points, however, including one when he chose to make a rare advance to the net behind a second serve. Haas had the chance to pull even, but instead put a backhand wide. Facing a set point, Haas produced his third double-fault.

"I would have lost the set without those double-faults," Djokovic said.

After a long first game in the third, Djokovic double-faulted twice in dropping his serve in the second game. Haas faced his first break points of the match in the next, but he saved all four of them to go up 3-0.

"I didn't put any pressure on his serve," Djokovic said. "I served very badly, I did not return well, I gave him many opportunities. But it was a good week and getting to the final is a good achievement."

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