Nicolas Almagro overcomes Filippo Volandri to grab the title – Brasil Open 2012
Top seed, Nicolas Almagro of Spain, successfully defended his title, overcoming Filippo Volandri of Italy in three sets, 6-3, 4-6, 6-4, in the final at the Brasil Open in Sao Paulo on Sunday. The Spaniard took two hours and one
minute to earn victory in a tough battle.
Almagro and Volandri broke each other once in the first six games and squared off the score at 3-3. The Spaniard captured Volandri’s serves again in the seventh and ninth, making full use of it and claiming the set 6-3.
World number 11 Almagro delivered two aces and no double faults in the opener. On the other hand, Volandri’s statistics were opposite, as he did not hit any ace and committed a couple of double faults to finish on the losing side.
Volandri fought back in the second set, snatching a break at 1-0 and consolidating on it to go up 3-1. This was enough for the Italian, as he did not allow Almagro to convert any break opportunity, serving out the set at 5-4.
Almagro served excellently, firing nine aces and winning 15 of the 17 first delivery points. However, the Spaniard was unable to save one of the two break points he came across. On the other hand, Volandri stood fast at all the
threats of losing his serve in the second set.
The decider went with the serves until the tenth game, when Volandri failed in winning his game and dropped the set 4-6.
Almagro smashed seven aces and did not lose even a single point on his first serves in the third set. The Spaniard also won three of the six second return points and converted one of the two break opportunities in the decider.
Talking to the reporters after the match, a delighted Almagro said, "This was not my best match here in Brazil, as I was tense and nervous. But once again, I had control of my emotions, which is what I have always demanded, controlling
the important moments. I think it's good to win a tournament and be able to think that I can still play a little better."
The Spaniard added, "I am happy. I am on a cloud, winning a tournament three times, and twice in a row. It's hard. I got here and all I want is to continue working to keep improving in my career."
Almagro ousted Alexander Dolgopolov in the final to bag title last year. The Spaniard has now 11 ATP World Tour titles to his name and all of them are on clay court.
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