MMMM 2007 : 2007


ALMAGRO DEFENDS TITLE

Spaniard Nicolas Almagro successfully defended his title in the presence of S.A.R. Crown Prince Felipe of Asturias at the V Open de Tenis Comunidad Valenciana on Sunday


www.open-comunidad-valenciana.com Third-seeded Almagro defeated first-time ATP finalist Potito Starace of Italy 4-6, 6-2, 6-1 in one hours and 37 minutes. Almagro hit eight aces and converted five of ten break point opportunities.
It was the Murcia resident’s second career ATP title, having clinched the Valencia title as a qualifier in 2006 (d. Simon).
Almagro has a stellar career record of 10-1 at the tournament, winning 10 straight matches after losing his first-round match in 2004 (to A. Martin).
The 21-year-old improves his ATP match record to 14-8 this year.
Almagro now leads Starace 2-1. He also beat the Italian on a hard court in second round of ATP Masters Series Miami last month.
Starace was aiming to become the third first-time champion on the ATP circuit in 2007, joining Gilles Simon (Marseille) and Juan Monaco (Buenos Aires).
Prior to this week, the 25-year-old Starace best effort at an ATP tournament was two semifinal exits in 2004 at Gstaad (l. to Federer) and in 2005 at Sopot (l. to Monfils).
Starace, currently No. 89 in the ATP Rankings, falls to 8-9 for the season.



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