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© Getty Images
 Top
seed Ivan Ljubicic saved one match point in his rain-delayed
semifinal and won two matches in a day to capture the Chennai Open
title, ending Carlos Moya's hopes of a third consecutive
crown in India.
Ljubicic, who received a wild card into the tournament, came within
a point of losing his semifinal against Belgian Kristof Vliegen
on Sunday before winning 6-3, 3-6, 7-6(6) to reach the final.
He then returned later in the afternoon to record a 7-6(6), 6-2
victory against Moya, the Spaniard who was looking for a third straight
Chennai Open title.
Ljubicic, who began the year at No. 9 in the INDESIT ATP Rankings
after winning two titles from eight finals in 2005, had planned
to spend the first week of the season practicing in Monte-Carlo
before receiving an invitation to play in Chennai three weeks ago.
The Croat made the most of his wild card, firing 12 aces during
his 1-hour, 41-minute victory over Moya, ending the Spaniard's 13-match
winning streak in the tournament.
With no breaks of serve in the first set, it looked as though the
two-time champion Moya was going to take the opener as he led 4-0
and 5-2 in the tie-break. But Ljubicic fought back to take it 8-6
and then broke Moya's serve in the third game of the second set
before going on to claim his fourth career title.
En route to the final, Ljubicic defeated Guillermo Garcia-Lopez,
Jiri Vanek, Gilles Muller and Vliegen, while Moya, the No. 3 seed,
won four consecutive three-set matches against Dick Norman, Justin
Gimelstob, Bjorn Phau and No. 2 seed Radek Stepanek.
WHAT THE PLAYERS SAID:
Ljubicic: "I played the best tennis of the week in the
final. It's a great way to start the year. I don't remember the
last time I played two matches in one day but today it really worked
out well. I think playing this morning definitely gave me some advantage
to get into the match and quickly find my rhythm.
"2005 was a fantastic year but I started 2006 in a better
way even, so I hope this year is going to keep going the same way
it started.
"Physically I feel OK, I have no complaints at all. I am extremely
pleased about how fit I am and again, I really hope my body is going
to keep up because I am planning some heavy schedule. "
Moya: "I had my opportunities in the first set and
it's a pity I couldn't take advantage of them. Against a player
like Ljubicic you must convert them in order to win. He has served
great the entire match, which has probably made the difference.
In the second set I had no energy left, it's been a very difficult
week, but I must be happy about how things turned out.
"Although I started the year better the last two years, it's
definitely been a great way to start 2006, and I really hope this
year will be different than the last one. I hope things will go
well from now on, I am motivated and I think it can be a good year
for me."
On is schedule for the coming weeks :"I'm going now to Sydney
and Melbourne and I will then play on the clay of the South American
swing, but for now my main goal is to do well in Melbourne."
On his form: "Physically I feel well, a little tired on my
legs but that's normal. As far as my shoulder and injuries everything
is fine."
Saturday:
Moya Made to Wait for Final Opponent
Friday:
Ljubicic, Moya Progress to Semifinals
Thursday:
Ljubicic Remains on Track
Wednesday:
Stepanek Rallies to Upend Amritraj
Tuesday:
Defending Champ Moya advances in Chennai
Monday:
Amritraj Thrills Indian crowd
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