Estoril Open 2002 News and Events

April 14, 2002

ESTORIL, Portugal - Argentina's David Nalbandian captured his first career ATP title with a 6-4, 7-6(5) victory over Finland's Jarkko Nieminen to win the Estoril Open.

Nalbandian, whose only previous appearance in an ATP final was on clay in Palermo last year when he lost to Felix Mantilla, was thrilled to have won the title.

"This is an unbelievable moment for me," said Nalbandian. "It's very important for a player to win his first ATP title, and this is something very special to me."

Nalbandian, who turned 20 on January 1, dedicated his victory to the people of Argentina. "I hope this title can bring some happiness to people for at least two or three days," he said.

The Argentine received plenty of support throughout the tournament, in which he defeated top seed and defending champion Juan Carlos Ferrero in the second round before going on to post impressive wins over Sjeng Schalken and former champion Carlos Moya in the semifinals.

Among those supporting him in the final were people from the small Argentine town of Unquillo, as well as some of his friends from Badajoz in Spain. "It's great that people came so far to support me," said Nalbandian.

Nieminen, playing in his second ATP final after hitting the headlines in Stockholm last year as a qualifier when he became the first Fin to reach an ATP final since Leo Palin in Sofia in 1981, was pleased with his performances during the week.

"I'm extremely happy to have reached my first ATP clay court final," said the 20-year-old Nieminen. "I always want to play in Portugal because I always seem to play very well here."

Nieminen, who was 3-7 in 2002 before arriving in Estoril, defeated Andrea Gaudenzi, Galo Blanco, No. 2 seed Marat Safin and Fernando Meligeni en route to the final. He also won the Challenger title in Maia on his last visit to Portugal in September 2001.

SANEX WTA TOUR

Serna Finally Gets Title

One week belated, but Magui Serna finally got her title.

After coming within one victory a week ago, Magui Serna finally got her first Sanex WTA Tour title by defeating qualifier Anca Barna 6-4, 6-2 on Sunday to capture the Estoril Open.

Last week, the 23-year-old Serna lost to Angeles Montolio in the final of the Porto Open, but could do no wrong this week. Serna looked solid in her straight sets win over last year's finalist, Elena Bovina in the semifinals. Bovina defeated Serna in the second round of last year's tournament.

Barna defeated defending Estoril champion Montolio in the semifinals on her way to her very first WTA final.

For her victory, Serna will collect $22,000.