Russian Marat Safin ended a 22-month title drought with a 7-6 7-5 victory over compatriot Mikhail Youzhny in the China Open final on Sunday. The former world number one, who did not drop a set in Beijing, needed all his experience to claim his first title since winning in Paris in November 2002.
Fifth seed Safin recovered from an early break to win the first-set tiebreak 7-4 thanks to four thundering aces. The second set went with serve until Safin broke through in the 11th game, Youzhny's nerve crumbling as he double-faulted on break point.
Safin, runner-up at the Australian Open and in Estoril this year, converted his first match point with another huge serve after one hour 37 minutes.
He earned $69,200 for his 12th career victory and edged above Andre Agassi into eighth in the 2004 ATP Champions Race.
The top eight players qualify for the season-ending Tennis Masters Cup in Houston.
Youzhny had beaten three seeded players, Rainer Schuettler, Dominik Hrbaty and Paradorn Srichaphan on his way to the final of the inaugural $500,000 tournament.
The 22-year-old, who was bidding for his second career title, earned $40,700 for reaching his third final.
Na,akkor Garros!
Az első fordulóban rögtön egy nagy ellenfél,az argentín Calleri.
Marat Safin of Russia eyes the ball during his match against Augustin Calleri of Argentina in the first round of the French Open tennis tournament at Roland Garros stadium in Paris, May 25, 2004. Safin reached the second round after Calleri pulled out injured. REUTERS/Jack Dabaghian
Azaz Calleri feladta meccs közben, sérülés miatt.Következik Mantilla.
DAVAJ MARAT!!!
Az elődöntőt Labadze(aki ellen sérülés miatt ki sem állt Nadal a quarterben) az 5. game után,hátfájás miatt feladta.
Így MARAT DÖNTŐS!!!!!!
Az ellenfél az 5. kiemelt Chela lesz.
DAVAJ MARAT!!!
"We were both fighting against each other and fighting against ourselves," Safin said. "Neither us of wanted to lose, and I think that given the (windy) conditions, we played good tennis."
The 24-year-old Safin defeated Robredo for the fourth time in six career meetings in a match that lasted two hours and 27 minutes. He will face Irakli Labadze of Georgia in the semifinals of this $665,000 claycourt tournament.
"We have known each other since we were nine years old and we have played together in Russia," Safin said of his next opponent. "We played in the Under-16 European championships and he beat me in the quarterfinals. He's one of my best friends and I really like him. It will be nice to play him and hopefully get revenge."
Russian tennis player Marat Safin waves to the public after beating French Cyril Saulnier during the Estoril Open first round in Jamor surroundings of Lisbon April 13, 2004. Marat Safin won by 5-7 6-2 6-2. REUTERS/Jose Manuel Ribeiro
És a másodikban:
Russian tennis player Marat Safin returns a ball to French player Thierry Ascione during the Estoril Open second round in Lisbon April 15, 2004. Marat Safin won 6-4 6-4. REUTERS/Jose Manuel Ribeiro
Russian tennis player Marat Safin reacts to his match point during the Estoril Open quarter final against Spanish player Tommy Robredo in Lisbon April 16, 2004. Marat Safin won 7-6 2-6 7-6. REUTERS/Jose Manuel Ribeiro
