The Hindu : Maiden crown for Gaudio

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Apr 30, 2002

Sport

Sport - Tennis

Maiden crown for Gaudio

Barcelona April 29. Argentina's Gaston Gaudio won the first title of his career on Sunday when he overwhelmed Spain's 15th seed Albert Costa 6-4, 6-0, 6-2 to clinch the $1 million Barcelona Open title.

Compared to last year's five-set marathon between Juan Carlos Ferrero and Carlos Moya, which ended in the early evening, Sunday's straight-set win was over quickly by claycourt standards, lasting two hours and four minutes.

Gaudio came good in his third ATP final after losing twice to fellow Argentines — Franco Squillari in Stuttgart two years ago, and Guillermo Coria in Vin del Mar, Chile last spring.

``I dedicate this win to my mother,'' said the overjoyed South American. ``If I don't, I'm not sure what she will do. She's Spanish and this is my second home.

``I've been in two finals, but let them slip away,'' added Gaudio, a quarterfinalist on cement last month in Indian Wells, California. ``This is the best day of my life and the first time I've ever talked to a crowd after a big victory.''

Gaudio, who didn't drop a set all week, knocked out seeds Thomas Enqvist, Moya and world number one Lleyton Hewitt in the semifinals on his way to the title.

The only Argentine to win this event, Martin Jaite in 1987, has been helping his countryman this week. ``He did so much for me, I cannot thank him enough for helping me to this victory,'' Gaudio said.

Costa apologised to the public for such a short match. ``Gaudio played unbelievably and deserved this victory.

I'm sorry I didn't give you much of a show. But I will be back next year and hope to win the trophy again.''

The opening game of the final, which began late in the afternoon to allow the Spanish Formula One Grand Prix to end, took at least a quarter of an hour to complete after an annoyed Costa complained about too many people crowding into the stadium.

After consultations with tournament officials on court, play in the game resumed, with the Spanish 15th seed saving five break points to take a 1-0 lead.

Nearly 45 minutes later, after two breaks for Gaudio and one for Costa, the Argentine wrapped up the opener 6-4 as Costa returned long.

The second set was a rout as the 23-year-old Argentine began to sniff his chance of an upset against the 26-year-old and ripped through to win it 6-0.

The third set was equally devastating for Costa, who had been carrying a leg injury since beating countryman Alex Corretja in Friday's quarterfinals with Gaudio twice breaking serve and taking victory on his first match point when a Costa return sailed wide. — AFP

Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Sport