World number 73 Horacio Zeballos grabbed tennis headlines on Sunday after denying top seed Rafael Nadal the VTR Open title with a tight three set win 6-7, 7-6, 6-4. This is Zeballos’ first ATP World Tour title.
“It’s a dream for me,” said Zeballos. “To be able to play a final against Nadal was already good enough for me. It’s a moment that will stay in my memory for the rest of my life.”
Zeballos has been at his best this week, having defeated four seeded opponents on his way to the title. Aside from defeating the top seed (Nadal), he’s upset fourth seed Pablo Andujar, fifth seed Albert Ramos and eighth seed Carlos Berlocq.
“I’ve worked really hard because I really wanted to be at this level,” Zeballos said. “For some months, I’ve been playing at a high level and I think I’m at the best moment of my career. I’m very strong physically and psychologically.”
