Fifth-seeded Jim Courier of the United States outlasted Jan Siemerink of the Netherlands in a five-set marathon Sunday to win the $1 million Swiss Open.
Courier took just over four hours to win 6-7 (2-7), 7-6 (7-5), 5-7, 6-2, 7-5. He collected $137,000.It was a match of determination and stamina, dominated by powerful serves and baseline strokes - but also unforced errors.
"It was a really balanced and good game," said Courier, his face flushed with exhaustion. "No one deserved to lose."
The victory will enable Courier to move from ninth to eighth in the ATP Tour rankings. Siemerink will likely be propelled from 24th into the top 20.
The Basel tournament is Courier's fourth victory this year and brings his career titles to 18. He last won at Basel in 1989.
Once the world's No. 1, he slipped down the rankings after losing form but has clawed his way back in recent months. He advanced to the semifinals at last month's U.S. Open.
Courier had been expected to romp after top-seeded Boris Becker pulled out with a back injury Saturday. Siemerink has won one tournament and advanced to two finals in his career.
Courier trounced Siemerink in straight sets in their only previous encounter in 1991.
But Sunday was a different story - and the sellout crowd of 9,000 loved it.
Courier broke Siemerink's serve in the first game, but the Dutchman immediately broke back and went on to win the first set in a tiebreak.
The second set looked as if it might go to Siemerink, who was 6-5 up with a service game in hand. Courier then lost his cool over a disputed line call and his temper outburst seemed to fire him with new determination.
Courier faltered in the third set but recovered to take the fourth.
Siemerink double-faulted to allow Courier to break his serve and move to 6-5 in the final set. The Dutchman then missed two break chances that would have allowed him to even it up at 6-6. Courier won the tournament with a neat passing shot on his first match ball.