Spain's Guillermo Garcia-Lopez capped a momentous week Sunday by lifting the Thailand Open, beating Jarkko Nieminen 6-4, 3-6, 6-4 to follow up his shock semi-final victory over Rafael Nadal. The world number 53, treated for leg and back pain during his win over the world number one on Saturday, came into the match unsure of his physical condition.
But the 27-year-old saw off Finland's Nieminen, ranked seven places below him, saving a clutch of breakpoints to go with 24 he saved in his victory over Nadal, to win his second ATP Tour title.
"I didn't know how it would be on the court for me," said Garcia-Lopez, the eighth different Spaniard to win an ATP title this season. "It was so tough against Nadal, I didn't know what my condition would be. "Jarkko played tough, there were just small differences at the end. I'm really pleased with how I served and fought. Both this match and the one against Nadal were difficult for me." The Finn fought hard on his own serve in the 10th game of the third set, saving match points, before Garcia-Lopez unleashed a sizzling cross-court return winner to seal victory.
The delighted Spaniard fell face down on the court before rising to hug Nieminen at the net. The 29-year-old Nieminen, ranked 60, was appearing in his 10th career ATP final but has only one tournament win. Garcia-Lopez won his only previous title in Kitzbuhel in 2009.
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