Carlos Moya achieved a major career objective with
his victory over Marat Safin in Barcelona on Sunday.
The Spaniard's triumph in the Seat Godo Open final meant he had fulfilled a
long-time ambition at one of the leading tournaments held in his home country.
He had moved into a strong position when Safin retired sick in the fourth set
with victory appearing to be beyond the Russian.
"I am delighted to win as it is special for me to win here in front of my
friends, and this is a club I know a lot and is very friendly," said Moya.
"After the Grand Slams and the Masters Series, this tournament is the next
most important for Spanish players.
"It has been the aim for me to win here as I have been a regular for many
years, and at last I have achieved it."
Safin struck first, taking the first set 7-5, but went downhill from there and
lost the following sets 6-2 6-2, before quitting at 3-0 down in the fourth with
stomach pain.
"I don't think Safin's injury was the reason for the defeat, as I thought I
was playing very well. In the last month my belief has returned and I feel like
a top player again," said Moya.
He has recently returned to action following a shoulder injury, and recognises
his limitations.
"There are other good players like Andre Agassi, and while it may be possible
for me to capture the number one slot playing on clay courts, it would be very
hard to do it for a whole season," Moya added.
Both players started positively, and Safin broke Moya's serve at 6-5 to wrap
up the first set.
But from there it was one-way traffic for Moya.
He broke Safin straight away in the following set, playing unerringly
consistent tennis and hitting the lines with so many of his shots, while Safin
was making unforced errors.
The third set was a similar story, with Safin becoming frustrated with his
performance and making it far too easy for his opponent.
The retirement came as another setback for the Russian, who has had an
injury-hit season and saw this tournament as an opportunity to gain some form.
He was clearly tiring as the match progressed, and decided enough was enough
when a stomach ache began to bother him.
However, his performance over the week gave Safin plenty of reason to be
optimistic for the rest of the season, having knocked out top seed Juan Carlos
Ferrero in the semi-finals.
Like Moya and Ferrero, he will be among the favourites for the French Open,
which begins on May 26 at Roland Garros.
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