Gonzo wins in Vina del Mar

Everything was set in Chile for a fantastic final of the $462,000 Movistar Open. Perhaps the best two players in the draw were to meet in the final with both coming into it after saving match points. The number 3 seed Juan Monaco had to come from behind in his second round match against Martin Vassallo Arguello. After saving 3 match points he won it 6/3 4/6 7/5. Fernando Gonzalez on the other hand struggled later on in the tournament. At the semi final stage against the useeded Pablo Cuevas he saved 2 match points and the defeated the surprise of the tournament 6/7 7/6 6/2.
Monaco cruised to a 6-2, 6-4 win over Spaniard Santiago Ventura in his semi final, but in that match he sprained his left ankle and couldn't compete in the championship match. The walkover gave Gonzalez his ninth career title and already his third at this event."I'm happy to have won this tournament once again but a little sad for Juan, who wasn't able to play the final," Gonzalez said. "He is a great player and even better person. It's tough for him not be able to play tomorrow's final and probably miss Davis Cup next week. We are good friends and I hope he recovers fast from this injury."

It is the first time a singles final walkover has occurred on the ATP Tour since 2003 in Basel, when David Nalbandian withdrew due to a left wrist injury against Guillermo Coria.

"It's very unfortunate that this happened to me in such a good moment of my career," Monaco said. "I'm sad that I won't be able to play the final here in Vina del Mar and the Davis Cup tie against Great Britain next week. I'm hoping to make a come back at Buenos Aires."

~jachal