Thomaz Bellucci won his second-career title. In an evening final, he battled Argentine Juan Monaco for the title in Santiago. The Brazilian outlasted Monaco 6-2 0-6 6-4 in a battle that lasted almost two hours.
Bellucci showed a lot of heart this week. He battled through Lapentti, Capedeville, Schwank and Gonzalez in mostly three-set victories, almost always coming from behind. The Brazilian played a lot of tennis and was on the court almost two hours more than Monaco. It was only a matter of time before the 22 year old lost his legs.
Bellucci instead jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the opening set. Monaco stopped the bleeding by breaking back in game six. The Brazilian broke back in the following game and successfully served for the opening set. Monaco then won the second set at love, and it looked like experience and legs would catch up to Bellucci. He held his own in the final set and secured a break for the win.
With the title victory, the 22 year old shoots up seven spots to world no. 28 this week. Eight months ago, the Brazilian was ranked 134. Now he is in the top 30.
Bellucci will head to Costa do Sauipe this week on his home turf. He lost in the final to Tommy Robredo last year. Should he win that tournament this year, the Brazilian fans will go wild. Brazilians have not had a lot to cheer about since Gustavo “Guga” Kuerten.
Championship Sunday
Singles Final
3 Thomaz Bellucci (BRA) def. 2 Juan Monaco (ARG) 6-2 0-6 6-4
(Image: Claudio Santana/AFP/Getty Images)
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