Spain’s Fernando Verdasco won the US Men’s Claycourt Championship on Sunday after defeating countryman Nicolas Almagro 6-3, 7-6. This is Verdasco’s first title since 2010 in Barcelona.
“It’s been a long time since I’ve won a singles title,” he said. “It’s a very important day for me to win a tournament after a few years, and after the injury in my knee the last couple years, not feeling so well and not being able to play a few matches in a row feeling well. I’m so happy for everything in general.”
Almagro complimented his compatriot for playing a good match.
“He played a really good match today, and he’s the winner,” said Almagro. “It was a battle today, and he was really concentrated on his serve. I had many chances and I didn’t [take them], and that’s the key of the match.”
“I’ve been happy the way I’ve been feeling the whole week,” said Verdasco. “In general, I think I had ups and downs, but it’s normal. In tough matches in clay you are not always 100 per cent every point physically, and you just need to try to be tough mentally.
“I think the key was my mentality during the week. I kept going every point no matter how tired or how good I was feeling. Didn’t finish perfect since we lost yesterday the doubles final when we were close to win, but it was great that I’m able to win the singles title.”
Verdasco takes home $85,900 plus 250 ranking points while Almagro pockets $45,245 and 150 ranking points.
