Top-seed and world No. 8 Janko Tipsarevic of Serbia won his first title of the year, besting Juan Monaco of Argentina 6-4, 5-7, 6-3 on Sunday in a rain-delayed Mercedes Cup final in Stuttgart. It’s his first clay-court title.

“I feel great. I honestly still don’t believe I won the title, considering that in almost every match I was hanging to lose,” said the Serb. “There were a lot of ups and downs. I think my mental attitude was the key for me – fighting from the first to the very last point. I think that is one of the reasons why I managed to win the title.

“It wasn’t an easy match to play, considering the balls were flying everywhere. It wasn’t really easy to be aggressive, but I felt I was the better player in the third set. I had a huge chance at 4-0 up in the second set, but instead of being more aggressive, I became passive. Luckily, I managed to come back.”

For his efforts along with a check, Tipsarevic received a new Mercedes-Benz SLK Blue BlueEFFICIENCY car.

“I don’t want to call it a deal, but I have pretty solid car at home, so I don’t need it,” said Tipsarevic. “But my wife [Biljana] and I had our anniversary a couple of days back. She also had her birthday. So I promised her the car, if I won the tournament. The points go to me.”

“I want to play London at the end of the year, I really do. Last year, my goal was to reach the Top 20 [in the South African Airways ATP Rankings]. Instead of that I reached the Top 10 and was reserve in London. You don’t get to play with the Top 8 unless you fight for every point.”