Jiri Novak captured his first AIG Japan Open and sixth ATP title with a come-from-behind three-set victory over American Taylor Dent at the Ariake Colosseum on Sunday. The Czech's 5-7, 6-1, 6-3 win earned him $118,000 and an inscription on the Japan Open silverware.
The fifth seed, who had beaten Paradorn Srichaphan and Lleyton Hewitt in the previous rounds, was naturally elated with his triumph.
"I have played really well in this tournament, beating some good players along the way and I feel great right now," Novak explained.