Chile's Nicolas Massu admitted he was exhausted after saving three match points to claim Palermo's Campionati Internationali di Sicilia with victory over Frenchman Paul-Henri Mathieu.

Massu triumphed 1-6 6-2 7-6 (7/0) but revealed the hectic pace of recent days had begun to affect him.

"I started the match very tired today," he said. "I played good tennis at some points but it was very difficult.

"I was kind of slow. He (Mathieu) was playing great tennis but still I was tired. I have played 15 matches in 18 days on clay and that is tough.

"But I always said you have to take advantage of the good moments. I always kept fighting even when I was three match points down. I think he got a bit tense, we all do, but I noticed it and tried to stay calm and play.

"My dreams are to reach the top 10, win Roland Garros, win a Davis Cup and win in Vina del Mar, my home city. I am already among the top 25 and I want more."

Mathieu added: "I am happy with reaching the final but obviously I did not like losing having three match points.

"I did get nervous serving for the match but that is normal. This is the way it is in tennis. He played also good and did not make mistakes during the match points. I believe I had a good tournament because I always fought, but I know I can play better."