Matosevic was attempting to become the third qualifier to hoist the big prize and the fifth Australian to win the ITC. The last Aussie was Lleyton Hewitt in 1999. Anderson was the first South African to advance to the final in the history of the tournament.

With Anderson breaking his opponent in the opening game, there was a sense that Matosevic would have a short afternoon. But, the stellar serving which allowed Anderson to dispatch top seed John Isner in the semifinals deserted him initially.

Consequently, the players exchanged break the first five games. Finally, Anderson consolidated to move ahead 4-2. With Anderson’s serve finally clicking, he maintained the advantage to carry the first set.

In the initial game of the second set, Anderson manufactured break point on a forehand error by Matosevic. But the latter found a way to undo the disadvantage and ultimately hold serve.

On Matosevic’s next service round, Anderson had three break point opportunities and failed to capitalize. As a result, Matosevic guarded serve for 2-1.

Later, Matosevic faced adversity again going down 0-40 as Anderson connected on a great forehand up the line pass for a winner. Yet, once more, Matosevic found the escape route to inch in front 4-3.

In total, Anderson came up empty on eight break points in the second set. Still, the positive news for the South African was that Matosevic could not fabricate any break point.

Eventually, the set was extended by a tiebreaker. As a result of a miscue, Matosevic gave Anderson the first point. When Anderson soon returned the favor, the players were back on serve.

However, by provoking two successive flubs from Matosevic, Anderson captured a double mini-break edge. Promptly with a volley winner, Anderson arrived at 6-1 and had a sleuth of championship points.

When the rally ended on a forehand error by Matosevic, Anderson dropped to the ground as he realized that the title was his.

Anderson was proud of the way he dealt with wasting all those break point and acknowledged that Matosevic “came up with fantastic shots” on those occasions.

For Anderson, the victory is a confidence builder “with two big tournaments coming up [Indian Wells and Miami], I could not ask for a better result”.

A twelve match winning streak was terminated for Matosevic. Still, his progress this week was substantial in reaching his maiden ATP final.

Matosevic’s results this week included taking down Ivo Karlovic, Alex Bogomolov Jr. and 2010 champion Ernests Gulbis. Ranked 173rd, on Monday, Matosevic will be just outside the top hundred, his highest ranking to date.

Nathalie Narcisse

In the battle of the giants, Kevin Anderson prevailed over top seed John Isner 7-5, 7-6 to reach the final of the Delray Beach International Tennis Championships.

Anderson interrupted an All American semifinal by beating fourth seed Andy Roddick in the prior round. Before this match, Isner had yet to drop a set this week. Isner, the world number eleven, had a slim edge over Anderson in their record of 3-2.

In the opening set, each man had no trouble holding serve for ten games. Suddenly though, with Isner netting a forehand, Anderson had triple break point.

The South African captured the break on another mistake by Isner. Then, with a comfortable service game, Anderson shut down the set.

After guarding serve to start the second set, on a backhand error by Anderson, Isner had his initial break point. However, Anderson battled trough to maintain serve.

With each man cruising on serve, a tiebreaker was called upon. Isner double faulted the very first point. This was the only advantage that Anderson needed to punch his ticket into the final.

The South African will face qualifier Marinko Matosevic. The Australian ranked 173rd edged out Dudi Sela 5-7, 6-4, 7-6 to book his maiden final appearance in an ATP event.

In the first set, Sela overcame a 1-4 deficit. Later, in an error plagued game by Matosevic, Sela seized a second break for 6-5. Then, with a love game, Sela swiftly closed out the set.

The second set, Matosevic capitalized on triple break point and consolidated for a 4-1 advantage. Although unable to convert on two further break opportunities, this time around, Matosevic held his nerve. Consequently, the sole break was enough for Matosevic to force a third set.

In the final set, once again, the early break went to Matosevic. The Aussie built a 5-2 lead.

After Sela guarded serve, Matosevic went up 40-15 for double match point. The pressure was insurmountable as Matosevic caved in and Sela ultimately broke.

The third set was settled in a tiebreaker in which Matosevic saw Sela roar back from 0-3. Still, Matosevic was able to refocus and close out the match.

The 26 year old qualifier has had an amazing tournament with wins over Ivo Karlovic in the first round, sixth seed Alex Bogomolov Jr. in the second round and 2010 champion Ernests Gulbis in the quarterfinals.

Anderson and Matosevic collided once previously on the challenger circuit. In a three set match, Matosevic had to retire before the match was decided by a tiebreaker.

The South African is in his third career final. Anderson’s only title came last year in his hometown in Johannesburg.

Nathalie Narcisse

The Delray Beach International Tennis Championships singles’ draw has been released with American John Isner as the top seed.

Isner faces compatriot Jessie Levine in the opening round while 2002 finalist and fourth seed Andy Roddick squares off against German Philipp Petzschner.

Roddick has been struggling with injury since the Australian Open and will need to find his form in order to make a deep run here. If the draw holds up, Isner and Roddick will clash in the semifinals.

Croatian Marin Cilic makes his first appearance at this event and takes on the crafty veteran Jarkko Nieminen in his initial match. Third seed Viktor Troicki is another first timer in Delray Beach. In his opening encounter, the Serb battles seasoned opponent, Steve Darcis.

After a five year absence, fifth seed Phillip Kohlschreiber is back and collides with the talented Olivier Rochus who was a finalist in Auckland earlier this year and a quarterfinalist in Memphis last week.

Previous participants, sixth seed Alex Bogomolov Jr. and Kevin Anderson play qualifiers in their first meetings. Bernard Tomic rounds out the seeds at the number eight spot. The gifted Aussie will combat 2006 champion and wildcard entrant Tommy Haas in the first round.

Other notables playing include 2010 French Open semifinalist Jurgen Melzer in his maiden appearance, 2010 ITC finalist Ivo Karlovic, 2010 champion Ernests Gulbis and two time ITC victor Xavier Malisse.

The action gets underway Monday, February 27. Join the MiamiTennisNews Facebook Fan page at http://www.facebook.com/MiamiTennisNews and follow us on Twitter under the user name @MiamiTennisNews at http://twitter.com/MiamiTennisNews for news, live scores, and results.

Nathalie Narcisse

After Nishikori wasted a couple of break points which have given him a 3-1 lead, Nadal manufactured double break point. Nadal converted when Nishikori buried a backhand into the net. Nadal subsequently consolidated at love for 4-2.

Later on, Nishikori had double break points with Nadal serving at 4-3. Once more, this was to no avail. Nadal maintained the one break advantage to seal the first set.

In the second set, Nadal seized the break in the first game and guarded the advantage despite Nishikori’s formidable resistance. With triple match point, Nadal aced his rival to punctuate the set.

Nadal was particularly hampered by the serve in the final of BNP Paribas Open last week. Consequently, MiamiTennisNews.com inquired as to the changes he made to fix this problem “I tried to remember what I did when I served well. I slowed down the speed a little bit. . . Because I served 117 to 124, 25 miles almost every time. That’s enough speed if you put the right percentage inside and. . .the balls close to the lines. I think that worked well.”

Furthermore, Nadal said “Nishikori is a good returner. His returns are fast, deep and difficult. . . I have to improve a little bit on the second serve. The speed was [at times] 85, 88, 89, 90, 92. . . But in general, I am very happy with the match of tonight”.

Never one to take his opponent for granted. Despite a 6-2 mark versus Lopez, Nadal’s assessment of the upcoming match when asked by MiamiTennisNews.com was “[it’s] important for me to play my best tennis. . . He has a very good serve, volleys well and he’s an aggressive player. Very dangerous, but if I play very well, I have my chances”.

In addition, Nadal stated “I have to play aggressively with my forehand, try to move him and get to the net when I have the chance. The match will be similar [to the past ones in some ways]. Still, every match is [also] different and always difficult”.

Pablo Cuevas came into the tournament with a record under 500 at 6-7. With defending Andy Roddick across the net, Cuevas must have thought that his week at its end in the second round. To the contrary, Cuevas surprised Roddick 6-4, 7-6.

Cuevas caught a break in finding Roddick not at 100%. After Roddick erased a break point, he manufactured double break point the very next game. However, Cuevas found a way to turn him away.

Following, Cuevas on his fourth break point opportunity in the seventh game pocketed the break and made it stand the remainder of the set.

Roddick called for the trainer a few times in the second set. Despite having something wrong, Roddick soldiered on hoping to will his way to a triumph.

After Roddick failed to capitalize on a couple of break point opportunities, the second set went to a tiebreaker. With Roddick misfiring on forehands and moving sluggishly, Cuevas took command of the tiebreaker and collected his first victory over a top ten player.

Roddick was clearly bumped with the result. Moreover, he is frustrated to have this lingering health issue. Roddick cited “I had a little trouble breathing out there today.  I’ve had something for a little while, but I’m going to have it checked out when I get home.. . It’s dating back to Memphis off and on. That’s a little too long, I think”.

A few weeks ago, Roddick completed a course of antibiotics for a bronchial infection.

Irrespective of his own troubles, Roddick admitted that “[Cuevas] played well. He hit some good passing shots. He definitely had more game than I did today. . . He was hitting that kick serve pretty well on the ad side. I had a couple looks in the second set, and he hit a couple good ones”.

MiamiTennisNews.com inquired from Cuevas whether it was awkward to play Roddick after witnessing that he contending with a problem. Cuevas responded “ Yes, it can be difficult. But, I was just concentrating on what I could do and control. It was only towards the end of the match that I saw there was something wrong with him”.

With early departures at Indian Wells where he was a finalist in 2010 and the same in Miami, Roddick is at risk of falling out of the top ten.

In the third round, Cuevas collides with Gilles Simon. The Frenchman sailed through his match against Rainer Schuettler 6-4, 6-3.

Tenth seed Jurgen Melzer suffered an injury in his second round match. Details are still sketchy as to the nature of the ailment. Melzer went down to doubles partner Philipp Petzschner in straight sets.

In the next round, Petzschner will clash with Janko Tipsarevic. The latter toppled Marin Cilic 6-3, 7-6, recording his first victory over the Croat in six tries.

Argentine Carlos Berlocq also shocked 28th seed Ernests Gulbis. Waiting for Berlocq is seventh seed Tomas Berdych who got by Ruben Ramirez Hidalgo 6-1, 6-7, 6-0.

The Olympus U.S. Open series is on its D.C. stop this week.  Although Juan Martin Del Potro, the reigning U.S. Open and two time defending Legg Mason Classic champion, is sidelined by injury this year, numerous big names have made the trip to the nation’s capital to contest this coveted trophy.

On the opposite side of the draw is perennial favorite Andy Roddick, the second seed.  Roddick, a three time champion and finalist in 2009, is hoping to rebound from a curtailed Wimbledon campaign.  Being on grounds which brought him tremendous success previously could be the remedy for the American’s blues.

Fernando Verdasco, the world number 10 and 2009 Australian Open semifinalist, is the third seed.  It’s Verdasco’s  maiden showing at the tournament.  With three titles already this year, Verdasco will be a certain threat.  Returning for the second straight year is Marin Cilic who is positioned as the fourth seed and a potential semifinal rival for Roddick.

Another favorite for the trophy is Sam Querrey who is the 6th seed.  With three titles this season, Querrey could face Roddick in the semifinals.  Two other Americans,  Mardy Fish, the champion in Atlanta and John Isner, the runner-up in Georgia as well as the Legg Mason in 2007, are also strong contenders.  Lleyton Hewitt, the 2004 victor, the always entertaining Marcos Baghdatis, Stanislas Wawrinka, Delray titlist Ernests Gulbis, veteran Radek Stepanek and upstart Thiemo De Bakker likewise are part of the main draw.

Other notables include James Blake, the 2002 winner, Richard Gasquet and David Nalbandian who were given wildcard entries.  Moreover, the number one ranked pair of Nenad Zimonjic and Daniel Nestor as well as the  world number two, Mike and Bob Bryan, who have prevailed three times at this tournament highlight the doubles field.

Don’t miss all the action from this ATP 500 event from July 31 thru August 8.  For the complete draws and information on the tournament click on www.leggmasontennisclassic.com.  Follow us daily on twitter under the username MiamiTennisNews.

On Sunday, the 2010 French Open gets underway.  Before the first ball is struck at Roland Garros, here’s a taste of how the proceedings may unravel on the gentlemen’s side.

Since 2006, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer had made it a habit of contesting for the trophy on the final Sunday. Last year, Robin Soderling interrupted that cycle by ousting Nadal in the fourth round.  After descending a wee bit in the rankings, with a record three Masters clay court titles, Nadal returned to his familiar spot at number two this week.  Therefore, this sets up the possibility of a final featuring defending champion Federer and his old nemesis Nadal.

By far, Nadal has been the best clay court player this season.  As such, it’s almost a given penciling his name as a finalist.  In examining the draw, Nadal, the top seed in the bottom section, appears to have a green line through the round of 16.  In the quarterfinals, the Spaniard could see slight resistance from fellow countrymen Fernando Versdasco and Nicolas Almagro.  The latter in particular competed well against Nadal in Madrid.  Still, Nadal should pull through.

Also in the bottom half are Andy Roddick and Novak Djokovic, potential semifinal adversaries for Nadal.  Last year, Roddick had a career best showing in Paris by reaching the round of 16.  In the first round, Roddick takes on veteran Jarkko Nieminen, then, a possible third round match with Juan Monaco.  Hence, the American may say his goodbyes to Paris early. Assuming Roddick advances to the quarters, he could face the second best performer on clay this year, David Ferrer.  Considering that Roddick has not competed since the Sony Ericsson Open and with clay being his least successful surface, it hard to imagine Roddick progressing to the second week.

Despite a clay title and two other finals, Djokovic went down in the third round in 2009.  This year, Djokovic withdrew early in Serbia and his best result was the semifinals in Monte-Carlo. Consequently, for Djokovic, resting may be a blessing.  On the other hand, it could be a curse, not allowing the Serb to be clay fit.  With former French Open winner Juan Carlos Ferrero potentially as a third round opponent and Ferrer in the quarterfinals, the third seed could have his hands full before getting a crack at Nadal.

For the top seeds in the top half of the draw, Federer and Andy Murray, struggling has been the operative word lately.  Federer seems to have shaken off some of the cobwebs by advancing to the finals in Madrid.  Still, the proof will be how Federer fares against potential third round rivals Gael Monfils or Stanislas Wawrinka.  In the quarters, Federer may battle Robin Soderling over whom he triumphed in the finals last year.  Additionally, Ernests Gulbis and Albert Montanes brimming with belief after their victories over Federer in Rome and Estoril respectively as well as Marin Cilic, a youngster excelling with each major, could cause Federer’s downfall in the quarters.  In the semifinals, Federer may see the always dangerous Murray itching to avenge his Australian Open final defeat.  Alternate possibilities in the semis include Jo-Wilfried Tsonga who will have the home crowd behind him or Tomas Berdych who stopped Federer in Miami.  Needless to say, the world number one has a journey fraught with peril to the finals.

In the first round, Murray clashes with hometown favorite Richard Gasquet.  For Gasquet, it’s a golden opportunity to regain loss ground by vanquishing a vulnerable Murray.  Moreover, Murray’s round of 16 counterpart may be John Isner, a finalist in Serbia or Tomas Berdych a formidable rival especially after his great run in Miami.  Furthermore, in the quarters, both Mikhail Youzhny and Tsonga may present serious challenges for the Scot.

An impediment for Tsonga in the third round may be Thiemo De Bakker who stunned the Frenchman in Barcelona.  Later, in the round of 16, Tsonga could play either Tommy Robredo or Youzhny who are quite proficient on the red dust.

No matter how one dissects the draw, the outcome is advantage Nadal.   It’s simply difficult to conceive how Federer, Djokovic, Verdasco or Ferrer can halt the four time champion from capturing his fifth French title.

Incredibly, an entire year had gone by since Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal clashed in a final.  At the Mutua Madrilena Madrid Open, these two rectified that by battling for yet another Masters 1000 shield.  Nadal, the 2009 finalist, vanquished Federer, the defending champion, 6-4, 7-6 to claim an unprecedented 18th Masters shield surpassing Andre Agassi and a historic third straight Masters trophy.

Since prevailing at the Australian Open, Federer has been in a slump with early exits in Indian Wells, Miami and Rome.  The top seed in Estoril last week, Federer was stopped in the semifinals by the defending champion Albert Montanes.  Conversely, this season, Nadal has been again the “it guy” on clay with titles in Rome and Monte-Carlo.  By avenging his loss to Ernests Gulbis in Rome and beating David Ferrer, the hottest player on clay besides Nadal, in the semifinals, Federer seemed to be finding his form.  Still, Nadal would be the most intricate puzzle to solve.

Following a love opening game, with a forehand up the line error by Nadal, Federer had break point.  But, by provoking mistakes from Roger, Rafael held for 1 all.  Quickly, Nadal turned the tables and as a result of errors captured a break for 2-1.  However, as a backhand crosscourt by Nadal sailed long, Federer had triple break point.  Roger converted when Rafael’s forehand missed its mark.  With the players at 3 all, three successive miscues by Federer gave Nadal triple break point.  An unreturnable serve and two forehand winners allowed Federer to get to deuce.  Yet, after Federer failed to capitalize on a game point, Nadal connected on a backhand crosscourt pass for a winner and his fifth break chance.  When Federer netted the backhand, Nadal took a 4-3 lead.  Then, despite resistance from Federer, Nadal consolidated for 5-3.  Subsequent to a love hold, Federer hit a couple of great forehands and with a Nadal double fault obtained double break point.  Promptly, with back to back errors by his rival, Nadal got to deuce. Still, Federer manufactured two more break points,  But, with the return finding the bottom of the net on the next point, Federer could not get over the hump.  Finally, with a forehand crosscourt pass for a winner, Nadal punctuated the first set.

After Federer flubbed a volley on game point, Nadal went on to break to start the second set.  However, by baiting Nadal into a few mistakes, Federer arrived at double break point.  With a backhand crosscourt winner, Federer leveled the set.  Then, at 2 all, leading 40-15, Federer found himself at deuce.  By passing Federer two consecutive times, Nadal broke for 3-2.  After Nadal consolidated with an easy hold, Federer had a love service game to maintain a one game difference.  Taking the dropshot out of his arsenal for the first time, Federer fabricated triple break point.  When Nadal misfired with the forehand, the set was equalized at 4.  Then, with back to back aces, Federer crept ahead 5-4.  As neither guy was able to gain a break point, the decider was the tiebreaker.

An error by Nadal gifted Federer a 2-0 mini-break edge.  But, with Federer mishandling a volley, the tiebreaker was at 2 all.  Later, with a dropshot winner, Federer again had a 4-2 advantage.  Next, Federer netted another makeable dropshot; afterwards, his play veered south.  By misfiring on the following two strokes, Federer gave Nadal a mini-break for 5-4.  Then, with Roger dumping a backhand into the net, Nadal had his first championship point.  With a bold forehand up the line winner, Federer salvaged the initial match point.  However, off a great serve by Federer, Nadal’s return took an unforeseen turn causing the ball to travel over Federer’s racket.  With that bizarre hometown bounce, Nadal sealed the victory.

Nadal now stands in the fifth position, tied with Ilie Nastase and Ivan Lendl, with 28 clay court titles.  Nadal’s win in the semifinals over Nicolas Almagro permitted him to reclaim the number two ranking. Considering how dominant Rafael has been on the red stuff, it’s difficult to envisage a Robin Soderling emerging in Paris to upset the ‘pomme’ cart.

Earlier today, Mike and Bob Bryan produced fireworks of their own in the Spanish capital.  The two defeated the number one team and defending champions, Daniel Nestor and Nenad Zimonjic, 6-3,6-4 to collect their 61st career title.  With that conquest, the Bryan brothers equalized the record set by Todd Woodbridge and Mark Woodforde.  In addition, with this triumph, their 15th Masters shield, Mike and Bob displace Nestor and Zimonjic at number one.

Despite giving it the old college try, neither the rain nor David Ferrer could alter Rafael Nadal’s destiny.  In the finals of the Internazionali BNL d’Italia ATP Masters 1000, Nadal bested Ferrer 7-5,6-2 to grab his fifth trophy in Rome. In addition to garnering his 27th clay court title, Nadal tied Andre Agassi’s record of 17 Masters shields.

Following two easy service holds, Ferrer sent a forehand crosscourt long to face double break point.  With two un-returnable serves, Ferrer got to deuce. After dismissing five break points, with a forehand crosscourt winner, Ferrer held for 3-2.  The subsequent game, Ferrer had 15-30 with a crosscourt backhand pass for a winner.  However, Nadal connected on a few forehand winners to guard serve.  Then, by double faulting and netting a forehand, Ferrer was behind 0-30.  Still, by serving well and being aggressive at the right time, Ferrer maintain serve for 4-3.  Upon the heels of an uncomplicated game by Nadal, with Ferrer at play and 40-15, sprinkles turned into heavy rain causing the match to be suspended.

After nearly an hour intermission, Ferrer double faulted when play resumed.  Yet, with a return error by Nadal, Ferrer stayed ahead 5-4.  Next, with two consecutive miscues by Nadal, Ferrer had a 0-30 opening.  Unfortunately, Ferrer misfired on a second serve return. With three additional errors, Nadal equalized the set.  Subsequent to committing a double fault to allow a third game point to evaporate, Ferrer’s mistakes on two forehands gave Nadal the break and a 6-5 edge. Later, Ferrer crushed a backhand crosscourt return resulting in an error by Nadal on the next stroke and Ferrer’s first break point.  However, that break point was quickly wiped off when Ferrer sent a return long.  With a forehand volley winner, Nadal arrived at set point.  Nadal converted when Ferrer’s return missed its destination.

Ferrer started out the second set with mistakes leading to 15-40.  But, with well struck serves, Ferrer got to deuce.  Then, with a volley winner off a dropshot, Ferrer carried the game for 1-0.  After a comfortable hold, Nadal terminated a long rally with a volley winner for 0-15.  Perhaps feeling the effect of the prior point, Ferrer committed two miscues to hand Nadal triple break point.  Although Ferrer got to deuce, because a few more errors, Nadal eventually captured the break.  Again, there was a prolonged pause due to rain.  Upon returning, with backhand down the line winner, Nadal consolidated at love for a 3-1 lead.  Following an easy game, Ferrer placed pressure on Nadal at 30 all. Once more, let down by his forehand, Ferrer failed to progress further as Nadal maintained serve for 4-2.  Then, with back to back double faults, Ferrer eyed double break point.  As another of Ferrer’s forehand landed long, Nadal widened his advantage to 5-2.  Next, with a forehand volley winner, Nadal had double championship point.  When Ferrer’s returned sailed out of play, Nadal secured for the fifth time consecutive Masters shields in Rome and Monte-Carlo.

This was another clay tournament where the Spaniards reigned supreme.  In the semifinals, Ferrer battled compatriot Fernando Verdasco.  Ferrer overcame a 1-5 deficit in the first set to prevail in straight sets 7-5,6-3 thereby ending a three match losing streak to Verdasco.  Later on, Latvian Ernests Gulbis, who shocked Roger Federer in the second round, clashed with Nadal.  Nadal had his hands full.  Even though Gulbis went down, the Latvian is the sole competitor to steal a set from the Spaniard this clay season.  So far this year, Gulbis has recorded two major milestones; his maiden career title in Delray and now his first Masters 1000 semifinal.  From 40th, Gulbis’ ranking jump up.

Although Ferrer was a finalist at the 2007 Tennis Masters Cup, this was his initial final in a full-fledged Masters series event.  With 23 wins on clay and a title in Acapulco, Ferrer leads the tour with 29 victories.  Today, Ferrer was attempting to plug a run of six straight losses to Nadal.  Despite coming short, Ferrer’s ranking will get a boost from 17.

Prior to the singles, Mike and Bob Bryan collected their 60th career title by defeating John Isner and Sam Querrey 6-3,6-2.  The American duo is one trophy short of equalizing the all time mark set by Mark Woodforde and Todd Woodbridge.  Thus, Nadal and the Bryan Brothers share something in common; both are on the threshold of making history with their next triumph.

One week after being routed by Rafael Nadal in the finals in Monte-Carlo, Fernando Verdasco was all smiles today.  Verdasco prevailed over Robyn Soderling 6-3, 4-6, 6-3 in the finals of the Barcelona Open BancSabadell, an ATP 500 tournament, for his 5th and mightiest career title.

Following a love opening game, Soderling faced break point his second time out when Verdasco’s return clipped the net and dropped for a winner.  Although Soderling held for 2-1, he was having difficulty getting free points on serve.  A few games later, with a forehand crosscourt winner, Verdasco arrived at triple break point and cashed in when Soderling netted a forehand.  Then, with a second serve ace, the Spaniard consolidated for 5-3.  Next, with Soderling’s backhand down the line miscue, Verdasco had his fourth set point.  The Spaniard sealed the first set with a forehand up the line winner.

By forcing mistakes from Verdasco, Soderling opened the second set with a break.  However, with a couple of nonchalant forehand strokes, Soderling stared at break point.  With a forehand up the line winner, Verdasco got back to 1 all.  After Soderling netted an easy forehand to give Verdasco 30-40, a forehand initially deemed long was reversed.  Soderling won the next three points to equalize the set at 3 all.  Later, with an overhead winner, Soderling arrived at break point.  With Verdasco dumping his backhand into the net, Soderling secured the break for 4-3.  A couple of games down the road, at double set point, Soderling connected on a forehand volley winner to send the match into a third set.

After a comfortable hold by Verdasco, Soderling looked at 0-30.  In part, thanks to Verdasco’s pass clipping the net and sailing long, Soderling eventually held for 1 all.  Still, with two straight backhand errors his second time out, Soderling was again at 0-30.  Subsequently, with another backhand error, Soderling stared at a double break point.  Once again, with a net court going in his favor, Soderling put away a forehand volley to save the first break point.  Yet, with a forehand crosscourt mistake, Soderling handed Verdasco the break for 3-1.  By readily consolidating, Verdasco extended his advantage to 4-2.  Despite Soderling holding easily, Verdasco never allowed him a bite on his service games.  Thus, with Soderling netting a backhand return, Verdasco arrived at double championship point.  As Soderling’s next shot, a backhand, traveled long, Verdasco captured the trophy.  With this victory, Verdasco continues the Spaniards domination of this event with 10 successive wins since 2001.

The doubles team of Nenad Zimonjic and Daniel Nestor follow up their triumph in Monte-Carlo by defeating Lleyton Hewitt and Mark Knowles 4-6, 6-3, 10-6 in the finals for their fourth title this season.

With five time defending champion Nadal citing fatigue and opting not to aim for an historic sixth consecutive trophy for the second week in a row, the door was left wide open for the other contestants.  Verdasco, the fifth seed and a wildcard entrant, made the most of his opportunity. Tested in the third round by Jurgen Melzer, after losing the first set, Verdasco took a tiebreaker to push the match to a third set.  After coming through a tough quarterfinal versus Ernests Gulbis, countryman David Ferrer forced Verdasco to carry the last two sets after stealing the first in a tiebreaker.  This represents Verdasco’s third career trophy on clay and his second title this year.  The Spaniard defeated Andy Roddick in San Jose back in February.

Karlovic opened the match in his usual fashion, smoking serves by his opponent.  Then up 2-1, Karlovic connected on a forehand winner to get his first break point.  However, by coercing errors from the big guy, Gulbis salvaged the game. From the outset, Gulbis got some good stabs at Karlovic’s serves relaying the message that he would not be intimidated.  After a good return set up a backhand crosscourt pass for deuce, Gulbis got a forehand error from Karlovic for his initial break point.   By prevailing in a long rally, Karlovic sponged the deficit.  However, with a return winner, Gulbis obtained a second break point and converted by clipping the line with a forehand.  After readily consolidating for 4-2, with Karlovic slicing a backhand long, Gulbis had two more chances to break.  By pulverizing another return, Gulbis stretched his lead to 5-2.  The next game, with an ace, Gulbis put himself one set closer to his first ATP title.

Prior to this match, Karlovic had surrendered his serve only once all week.  But, by using the first serve as target practice and annihilating the second, Gulbis was giving Karlovic all sorts of headache.  After pressuring Karlovic in the opening game of the second set and himself holding at love, Gulbis earned double break point off a sensational return.  When Karlovic failed to convert on a volley, Gulbis secured the break for 2-1.  After having no trouble consolidating, Gulbis pressured his opponent into a double fault for break point.  Karlovic bailed himself out with an ace.  Karlovic then looked to the heavens and with the sign of the cross thanked the powers above for getting him out of trouble.  A few points later, Karlovic secured the game to keep the deficit to one break.  Still, the problem for Karlovic was the inability to dent his opponent’s serve.  Serving at 3-5, with a backhand down the line pass and errors from Karlovic, Gulbis arrived at double match point.  With two aces, Karlovic put Gulbis on ice.  Once more, with a fiery forehand crosscourt return winner, Gulbis had break point.  Yet again, Karlovic denied him with an ace.  However, feeling the squeeze from Gulbis, Karlovic threw in two straight double faults to hand Gulbis the trophy.

Gulbis reflected that this triumph was particularly sweet in light of his horrendous record in 2009 where he “struggled a lot …with injury”.  The next few days, Gulbis plans to practice and “hopes to get a wildcard [at the Sony Ericsson Open] in Miami”.  From a ranking of 72, Gulbis will return to the top 50; his career high is 38 in April 2008.