German qualifier Philipp Petzschner stunned eighth seeded Frenchman Gael Monfils 6-4, 6-4 to win the Austrian Open on Sunday, the first qualifier to win the event since Belgian Filip Dewulf defeated Thomas Muster in 1995.

He is also just the third qualifier to win a title this year, following Japan's Kei Nishikori at Delray Beach and Frenchman Gilles Simon in Casablanca.

"It felt so great when I was making the match ball," said Petzschner.

"My arm was like 10 kilos heavier I guess. It's just a great feeling right now."

The win reflects a remarkable turnaround for Petzschner, who entered the week with just four victories on the ATP Tour this year and then upset Swiss top seed Stanislas Wawrinka in the first round.

Ranked 125 before Vienna, he is expected to rise on Monday to approximately 70.

"It's been an unbelievable week for me," Petzschner said.

"I played my game pretty good, I played the tactics my coach gave me. I changed the speed and I was serving quite well and that was part of winning today.

"I'll try and improve even more and try to get better. The next goal is the top 50."

Monfils, a semifinalist this season at Roland Garros, Nottingham and Bangkok, was playing in the sixth final of his career and seeking a second title after winning at Sopot in 2005.

Despite his defeat, Monfils is expected to rise to a new career-high ranking of 19.

Despite some fine shot-making Montfils' serve was not working as well as it had throughout the week, and he was clearly distracted by several disputes with the umpire during the first set.

Monfils also suffered from cramp and a knee problem, and it was his rival who earned the first break, hitting a fine backhand winner down the line to lead 3-2.

Monfils leveled at 4-4 when Petzschner netted a forehand to end a lengthy rally, but Petzschner continued to exert pressure by coming to the net.

He was rewarded when Monfils netted a forehand volley to concede his serve a second time, and the German served out the set to love. Monfils struggled to hold serve in the opening game of the second set and then began to cramp at 2-2 as he held off two break points before holding for 3-2.

Petzschner then earned a vital break for 5-4, setting up break point with a gentle backhand chip at the net, and breaking when a backhand from Monfils clipped the net and landed wide.

Monfils admitted he had felt tired both physically and mentally after a long week.

"I was tired, I had some pain, but Philipp was

better than me and now to keep working to be stronger so I if I can reach another final I can be more fresh. I was not fresh mentally and was not able to stay calm," he said.

AFP