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7/18/10 7:44 PM | Ricky Dimon
The Stuttgart final ends in retirement as Gael Monfils called it quits with an ankle problem three games into the second set. Albert Montanes wins his fifth career ATP title.
Albert Montanes won the Mercedes Cup title on Sunday, leading 6-2, 1-2 when Gael Monfils retired from the final with an ankle injury. Monfils' retirement came 55 minutes into the match and gave Montanes his fifth career ATP title.
Even with Monfils at 100 percent, the outcome never appeared in doubt. Montanes did not face a single break point in the first set and led 5-2 before his opponent suffered the injury. The 30th-ranked Spaniard earned another break moments later to finish off the opening frame of play in style.
Monfils took care of his two service games in the second set, although he had to save three break points. The 17th-ranked Frenchman had no chance in Montanes' lone service game and Monfils decided he could not go on after the third game.
"My ankle just got worse and worse," Monfils explained. "I thought I could come back, but I wasn't 100 percent and Albert would have figured out he needed to just move me around for the win."
"It was a fantastic week," added Montanes. "This is a great victory for me and for all of Spain. It's an incredible year for Spain, in football, tennis and basketball, and I'm happy to have added more joy to my country."
Montanes is now 5-4 lifetime in ATP title matches. Monfils drops to 2-8.
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Good win by Montanes, and he is now ranked 24 in the world, not bad. Its good that there are clay court tournaments all over Europe for players like Montanes who specializes on clay. At least players like him can make a decent living, as not everyone can win slams or become top ten players. When he is in top form, he is good to watch as he is one crafty player. I remember him giving Verdasco all sorts of problems at one of the clay masters this year, and of course his win over Fed at Estoril this year is impressive too. And wow, he won a Mercedes Sports car too!
luckystar , 7/19/10 1:50 PM
monfils should stop celebrating wildly in matches,and save some body parts from tennis. He is ALWAYS injured.
tj600 , 7/19/10 4:55 PM
this guy is good on clay..conistently good, shud prepare well for RG,this time he was unluky to meet soderling so early..still gave a great fight ..losing in 4 tough sets
vamosrafa , 7/20/10 1:39 AM
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Terrible picture. Actally he is a handsome man.
Augustina08 , 7/19/10 1:25 PM