MOTT CROWNED DARWIN CHAMPION

Darwin, NT, 29 September 2019 | Asher Packman 

Wildcard Blake Mott has powered his way to a second consecutive Australian Pro Tour title with a decisive victory over Calum Puttergill in the Darwin International final.

After claiming the Cairns title last week in his first professional tournament back from a two-year hiatus, the former world No.220 took command from outset, holding his unseeded Queensland opponent at bay to secure the match 6-1 6-4.

“This one was pretty special, it’s been a tough week with the heat up here and backing up after a lot of matches in Cairns as well, “Mott said. “It was a really good one to win.”

“I’ve had a really good mindset with taking each match as it comes,” he added. “Just going out there and trying to zone in on every point. That’s really what has paid dividends.”

The 23-year-old couldn’t have asked for a better start to his recent return.

“When you come back and you’re mentally fresh, everything feels quite new again. I think I’ve really stoked up that feeling excitement and I want to just keep on enjoying my tennis. Obviously, it’s been a great two weeks but hopefully it’s just the beginning.”

While Mott claimed back-to-back crowns, Cabrera took out both singles and doubles titles in Darwin, partnering for the first time with Destanee Aiava to defeat second seeds Alison Bai and Jaimee Fourlis on Friday.