Enqvist Takes Sao Paulo Title

Thomas Enqvist won his first ATP Champions Tour title on Sunday after beating home favourite Fernando Meligeni 7-6(3), 6-3 in the final of the AOC Grand Champions Brazil in Sao Paulo.

The Swede, playing in his first event on the circuit for former World No.1's, Grand Slam finalists and Davis Cup champions, played so well that his opponent even compared his level to that of Pete Sampras.

The first set was a close-fought affair, with both players hitting solidly from the baseline and holding serve with ease. Enqvist eventually captured a break at 5-5 to leave himself serving for the first set but Meligeni used his huge leftie forehand to great effect, breaking immediately back to force a tie-break. Enqvist’s powerful first serve came to his rescue and the Swede raced to an unassailable 6-3 lead, clinching the set with an ace down the middle.

Enqvist went on to dominate the second set, breaking in the first Meligeni service game to take a 3-0 lead. With the support of his home fans behind him Meligeni battled on, but it was to no avail. The stream of baseline winners from the Enqvist racquet proved to be unstoppable and in the end the Swede wrapped up victory in one hour and 32 minutes.

“This has been a great final,” said Enqvist after the match. “Fernando played great and I was lucky I won the first set otherwise everything could have been different.”

“I’ve had so much fun this week in Sao Paulo. I’ve loved being back playing tennis and seeing all my friends again. There’s been such a good crowd here as well, it’s been great.”

Although beaten finalist Meligeni was disappointed to have lost today, he was delighted to have been part of such a great spectacle in front a packed Brazilian crowd.

“I think the match today was fantastic,” he said. “Thomas is the toughest guy I’ve played on this Tour besides Sampras and I had to play almost perfect just to get to 6-6 in the first set. I’m just happy to be here and to play well and to make another final. Maybe next time I’ll win!”

In the match to decide who takes third place in the AOC Grand Champions Brazil, Henri Leconte made light work of beating Paul Haarhuis 6-2, 6-4.

The ATP Champions Tour will now move on to Graz for the s Tennis Masters (August 5-9), and after that will arrive in the Algarve for the Vale Do Lobo Grand Champions CGD (August 11-14).