Gustavo Kuerten gave further indication of his
desire to return to the top 10 by outlasting Guillermo Coria in a thrilling
Brasil Open final.
The former world number one was encouraged by vociferous support in his home
tournament and won out 6-7 (4) 7-5 7-6 (2) against the Argentinian.
It was the first time in Kuerten's career he had won the title in Bahia and he
is set to return to the world's top 40 as a result.
This season has been one of struggle for the Roland Garros king, a three-times
career winner of the French Open, who underwent hip surgery in February.
It took nearly three-and-a-half hours, three tough sets and one saved match
point, but Gustavo Kuerten finally earned one of the sweetest victories of his
career.
Kuerten, who celebrated his 26th birthday during the tournament, has now won
17 titles in his career, including three French Open's, five Tennis Masters
Series events, and the 2000 Masters Cup in Lisbon.
The Brazil Open marks his fourth win on hardcourts, and improves his record in
finals to an impressive 17-6.
The match, played under the baking Brazilian sun, was tight from start to
finish.
The two players traded breaks in the first set, with Coria prevailing in a
tie-break.
Kuerten broke Coria at 6-5 in the second set to level the match, and in the
third set, Coria held a match point with Kuerten serving 4-5.
But Kuerten was able to hold and eventually force a tie-break, which he won
7-2.
Kuerten said: ``I went beyond my limits and I did more than what I was asking
myself to do in those extreme conditions.
``I did not want to think that the title could slip away.
``I always try to thank people after each win, but to play in the final here,
my emotions were very high. Only a few people can live happy moments like the
one I've lived today.''
Coria looks back on his week with great fondness, and was not too downhearted
at losing in the final.
He said: ``First of all, I was very happy to be in the final, even though I
didn't manage to win it. Guga played very good tennis.
``After both of us hadn't been playing for a while this year, I'm very happy
to see both Guga and I playing at a high level again.''
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