Latvian Ernests Gulbis won his first claycourt title on Saturday after he defeated Federico Delbonis of Argentina 6-1, 7-6 in the final of the Open de Nice Cote d’Azur. This is his sixth career title overall. Gulbis defeated defending champion Albert Montanes in the semifinals.
“I am really happy to win here,” he said. “My next goal is to be Top 10, even Top 8. I think if I play well in the Grand Slams, I have a good chance. It’s tough to kick out somebody from the top as there’s a lot of good players but I am working on it.”
“I really like the South of France, I’ve repeated it many times, I think I will be coming here on vacation and I think you are going to see me a lot around this area.”
Gulbis will be heading to Paris for the French Open with €77,315 prize money and 250 ranking points. Delbonis gets 150 points and €40,720 in prize money.
“He played well, I didn’t start the best way and he broke me twice,” said Delbonis. “In the second set I gave my best, it was more equal. I had my chances but couldn’t take them because he served well. I’m happy for this week and although this match wasn’t the best, I’m happy for playing it.”
