Haas downs Djokovic to win Halle title

By Karolos Grohmann

HALLE, Germany (Reuters) - 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