Spain’s Albert Montanes assured himself a place back in the world’s top fifty this week by winning his sixth career ATP World Tour title on Saturday. The 32-year old defeated French wild card entrant Gael Monfils 6-0, 7-6 in the final of the Open de Nice Côte d’Azur.
“I was not supposed to play here in the first place,” Montanes revealed. “I was in my home town, 200km from Barcelona, with friends when I found out I was entering the main draw last Saturday night. So it’s pretty incredible that I am here now with the Nice trophy.
“No doubt the fact that I came here with no pressure, just happy to play, taking it day-by-day and match-by-match, helped me win this week,” he added.
Montanes wrapped up the victory in 73 minutes and improved his head to head record against Monfils to 4-1.
“I knew I could defeat Gael and today I was very solid the entire match, hitting very deep and playing well in the crucial points,” he said.
Monfils congratulated his opponent for the victory in this ATP 250 event.
“I tried my best today, but I faced a better player than me and I want to congratulate him for his title,” the Frenchman said. “I tried different things, but it didn’t work. He was just better than me. I played a lot of matches in the past two weeks and I felt maybe a bit tired physically and mentally.
“Overall, it was a great week for me and I want to thank the sponsors and the tournament for giving me a wild card. I played some really good matches and I hope to be back next year,” he added.
