Alex Corretja captured the second Generali Open title of his career with a 6-4 6-1 6-3 victory over fellow Spaniard Juan Carlos Ferrero.

Corretja claimed his second title of the year in just under two hours, adding the trophy to the one he won in Gstaad earlier this month and repeating his Gstaad-Kitzbuhel double of 2000.

"It's a dream come true - it's an unbelievable feeling," said Corretja, the number eight seed who defeated Roland Garros champion Albert Costa in the quarter-finals and Gaston Gaudio in the semis.

"I beat three of the best clay court players in the world this week. I think I played unbelievable tennis. My game was great the whole week."

Corretja dropped only 15 games in four matches en route to the final against Ferrero, the number two seed who won the Tennis Masters Monte Carlo in April and reached the final at Roland Garros.

Corretja failed to close out the first set at 5-3, but broke for the third time in the match to take the initiative before winning nine of the next 10 games.

Now with a two-set lead, there was no stopping Corretja, who maintained the momentum with a break of serve in the opening game of the third set and another to clinch victory.

"I lost my serve three times in the first set but I kept my concentration," said Corretja.

"He made some mistakes. I returned really well and attacked with my forehand. It's similar to when I played in Gstaad two weeks ago. I thought I was on top of my game in Gstaad but this week was even better. I'd like to win here again.

"I believe Juan Carlos is going to be one of the best players in the world. He's a really nice person, I like him a lot."

Ferrero, who won back-to-back three-set matches against Amersfoort champion Juan Ignacio Chela and Mariano Zabaleta to reach the final, had no answer to Corretja.

"He played well all match," said Ferrero, who had won their only two previous encounters.

"He didn't make any mistakes. It's difficult to win when you're not playing solid. I was a little bit tired today. I have played for six hours the last two days.

"He had more time to rest but that is no excuse. Alex played a great tournament, he didn't lose a set.

"It's different to play him at altitude. He has won here twice and also Gstaad, which shows he always plays well at altitude."

It was the 17th title of Corretja's career and his 10th on clay. He now joins David Nalbandian in 13th position in the ATP Champions Race 2002, while Ferrero jumps two spots to sixth.