Estoril Open 2003 News and Events

Mandula and Wartusch
© Joao Lagos Sports

Mahesh Bhupathi and Max Mirnyi captured their second title together with a 6-1, 6-2 victory over Lucas Arnold and Mariano Hood to win the Estoril Open.

Bhupathi and Mirnyi, the reigning US Open champions who began their partnership in Estoril 12 months ago when they reached the semifinals, claimed their first title of the year together in only their second tournament (Dubai).

"We have had a great week," said Bhupathi. "I would like to thank Max for playing with me. Joao Zilhao has always made my stay here in Estoril a very special one, so it's nice to win the tournament."

It was the first title of the year for Bhupathi, who now has won 27 career ATP doubles titles, while Mirnyi also won the NASDAQ-100 Open title in Miami playing with Roger Federer.

"We started playing together last year ad had some success, topped off by winning the US Open," said Mirnyi, who now has 15 career doubles titles under his belt. "We have proved that we are one of the best doubles teams. We are planning to go to Monte Carlo tomorrow and hopefully we will have the same success there as we have had this week. It's my second year in Estoril and it's been a really great week for me."

In the women's doubles final, top seeds Petra Mandula and Patricia Wartusch overcame the loss of the first set before defeating Maret Ani and Emannuelle Gagliardi 6-7(3), 7-6(3), 6-2.

"It is always a nice feeling to win a tournament," said Mandula. "It is our fourth title and we almost can get used to this feeling. We have had champagne on and off the court, and we're probably do some more celebrating, we don't know yet."

Wartusch added: "We have known each other for a while and is very to good to play with someone you know all the movements. It makes things more easier. Here in Portugal we have enjoyed the people, the food, the cakes, and the site. It is very nice and for sure we will come back next year."