Nicolas Massu produced a stunning
comeback to beat Argentine Agustin Calleri to claim his first career ATP title.
Massu staved off two match points at 2-5, 15-40 in the second set and
eventually won the match 2-6 7-6 (7/5) 6-2.
The Chilean, a beaten finalist in Adelaide (2001) and Orlando (2000) in his two
previous appearances in ATP finals, broke Calleri in the first game of the
third set and then powered home.
Massu said: "I'm very, very happy to win my first title. It's definitely the
best victory of my career, especially coming in Argentina in front of a big
crowd supporting an Argentine.
"I didn't play my best tennis but I was still able to win because I never gave
up and took my chances when they came. Until 5-2 there wasn't much I could do.
Calleri was playing very well and I was just trying to keep up with him.
Despite losing the final, Calleri was delighted with his performance during the
week.
He stunned top seed and defending champion Gustavo Kuerten in the first round
and then went on to defeat Fernando Meligeni, Mariano Zabaleta and Juan Ignacio
Chela.
Prior to this tournament Calleri had not won a match at ATP level this season.
"Other than the way I lost today I was very pleased with the week, especially
winning the first match against Guga," Calleri said.
"It's my fault that I lost. I was up a set and 5-2 and playing very well. When I
got to 5-2 I started to get anxious and I wasn't able to close out the match.
"At the beginning of the third set I told myself that we were starting from
scratch, but he kept playing better and better and his confidence grew.
"Tennis is a sport that gives you a chance to avenge yourself, and the next time
I'm in that position I'm sure I will win the match and the title."
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