BUENOS AIRES, Feb. 13 (Xinhua) — Norway’s Casper Ruud recovered from a set down to defeat local hero Diego Schwartzman and clinch his second Argentina Open title here on Sunday.
The world No. 8 struck 10 aces and won 73% of his service points to take the match 5-7, 6-2, 6-3 in two hours and thirty-five minutes.
It marked the 23-year-old’s seventh ATP title and repeated his 2020 triumph on the outdoor clay of the Buenos Aires Lawn Tennis Club.
“It’s been an unbelievable week,” Ruud said after the match. “To come back here and try to win the title again has been a challenge and I’ve enjoyed every minute of it.
“Playing in front of all the fans on this centre court was a great feeling again, being back on clay, coming back to South America after two years, so I hope I can come back next year and try to do the same.”
The final at the Horacio Billoch stadium attracted around 5,000 spectators, most of whom were willing Schwartzman on to defend the ATP 250 title he won last year.
“I had a spectacular week, with people filling the stadium and supporting me,” Schwartzman, the world No. 15 said. “Unfortunately, in the final I had a rival who played better. These things happen.
“Casper is a gentleman on the court. He is a very young tennis player and already has seven titles. I’m sure that people will be talking about him lot in the coming years.” Schwartzman said.
