The Gold Flake Open 2001, held from January 1st to 7th, marked the start of a fresh ATP Champion’s Race, attracting one of the ‘deepest’ fields in the history of the event. Headed by the world no. 4 Magnus Norman, the event featured Argentinian Franco Squillari, who finished the year at no. 14 and Frenchman Cedric Pioline. But for local crowds, the return of the top Indian doubles pair of Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi was the real highpoint. The ace duo were back at the very place that their glorious run started with their first ATP tour title in 1997.
The finals was contested, however, by the new breed of international tennis stars. In a match that ended in a closely fought tie-breaker, Michal Tabara beat Andrei Stoliarov 6-2, 7-6(7-4), with both players playing their first ever ATP final. In the doubles, the Indian duo fell at the semis, paving the way for Byron & Wayne Black to win their first ATP doubles title together, accounting for Barry Cowan and Mose Navarra 6-3,6-4.
Men's Singles
- It was Tabara's 1st title of the year and the 1st of his career.
Men's Doubles
- It was Byron Black's 1st title of the year and the 23rd of his career. It was Wayne Black's 1st title of the year and the 5th of his career.
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