VIKTOR Troicki hailed The Boodles as the ideal preparation for Wimbledon after winning the 2013 championship on Saturday.
Troicki defeated Robin Haase of the Netherlands 7-5, 6-4 in the final at Stoke Park and has made it through to today's (Friday) third round at SW19.
"For sure it's good to get grass court preparation," the Serbian star explained. "I've played this event a couple of times already and I really enjoy it. It's great preparation for Wimbledon." Runner-up Haase added: "It's always nice to come to The Boodles, only the top guys in the world play here.
"We were joking around a few times but both wanted to win, so I think the points were actually pretty good.
"Wimbledon is the biggest and most famous tournament in the world, so you come here and try to get as much confidence as you can." Unfortunately for Haase, his participation in Wimbledon lasted just one round as he was beaten by Mikhail Youzhny in straight sets.
Argentine Horacio Zeballos appeared to relish the relaxed Boodles atmosphere and looked comfortable on the grass during a 7-5, 6-4 victory over Thiemo De Bakker in the second singles match on Saturday.
This year's tournament was rounded off with an entertaining doubles match that saw Great Britain's Jamie Delgado and American James Cerrentani beat the pairing of Raneez Junaid and Adil Shamasdin 10-5 in a first to 10 games shoot-out.
On Friday, Richard Gasquet defeated Juan Martin Del Potro in a thrilling match that ended 6-3, 4-6, 10-5 while Alexandr Dolgopoloy enjoyed a 6-3, 6-4 win against Sam Querrey.
Grigor Dimitrov overcame Jerzey Janowicz 6-1, 7-6 after an exciting 5-7, 6-3, 10-6 loss to Novak Djokovic, pictured right, on Thursday.
"It's my second time here and it's an incredible feeling," Dimitrov said, "It's very well organised, and the hospitality and people are so nice.
"It's a great feeling to play against Novak. I hope we had an entertaining match but at the same time a very positive one." Djokovic added: "Grass is the most special surface we have in the sport - the oldest also. We play on it only a few weeks a year so better use it wisely.
"I like playing on grass, it makes me aggressive on the court. Hopefully I can raise the level of my game as Wimbledon goes on." The 2011 champion was due to take on American Bobby Reynolds in the second round today (Thursday).
Meanwhile, speaking after his 7-6, 7-6 success over Alexandr Dolgopolov, a relieved Marin Cilic admitted: "Alexandr is an extremely difficult opponent, who has a completely different kind of game to anyone else. It wasn't easy and the court felt a bit quicker, it wasn't easy to get returns in.
"Movement is key on grass and the players who are adapting quicker are the ones who are able to get to a higher level." Tomas Berdych, who also beat Dolgopolov 4-6, 6-2, 10-8 on Wednesday, commented: "For me movement on grass is the toughest thing. It's much faster and the ball doesn't always bounce in the same place every time." Ukranian Dolgopolov was in a buoyant mood despite the double defeat. He said: "I think it went great. We played some tennis, had some fun and that's the point, to keep people happy." Richard Gasquet stated his intention to return to Stoke Park despite suffering a 7-6, 7-6 loss to Sam Querrey on his Boddles debut.
"It's very nice to be here and practice," he beamed. "There were a lot of people in the crowd so there is a great atmosphere and a great feeling to be here. I would like to come back again." **PICK up a copy of the Observer, out Friday, for all the latest sports news and action** **FOLLOW the Observer on Twitter @Observer_sports**
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