Roberto Bautista Agut overcomes Tomas Berdych challenge to lift Doha trophy

Spain`s Roberto Bautista Agut overcame a mid-match scare to overcome Tomas Berdych 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 in the Qatar Open final on Saturday for his ninth career title.

A day after outclassing world number one Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals of the season-opening event, Bautista Agut came through another three-setter for his first title in Doha.

The world number 24 saved five out of six break points and converted two of his own in a tight final to see off Berdych, who was seeking his first ATP title since 2016, in a little under two hours.

"It`s been a fantastic week for me," Bautista Agut, who endured some nervy moments in the decider, said.

"Today it wasn`t easy to manage the emotions I had on court," he added. 

The 30-year-old will look to carry the momentum forward to the Auckland Classic next week in his final warm-up event before the Australian Open which begins in Melbourne on January 14.

Bautista Agut is looking to avoid another early exit in the season`s first Grand Slam, having lost to compatriot Fernando Verdasco in the opening round last year.

Berdych, fighting fit again after a back injury, was pleased with his effort in his first tournament since the Queen`s Club championships in London last June.

"Roberto was too good, so well done for the title today, but I am happy for the week," the world number 71 added.