Monday 16 February 2015 16:33, UK
Pablo Cuevas produced a powerful display of serving to end the dream run of qualifier Luca Vanni at the Brasil Open.
The Uruguayan won the clash of the 29-year-olds 6-4 3-6 7-6 (7-4) in two hours and three minutes in Sao Paulo to claim his third ATP World Tour title, following successes last year in Sweden and Croatia.
Cuevas admitted to nerves afterwards, telling the official ATP Tour website: "I think it was the first time I played a final as the favourite. I thought that I couldn't lose when that happens, but the matches become more difficult.
"In front of me I had someone playing with a lot of confidence and with a great serve. There were many mistakes at the end and the winner was the one who failed less than the other."
"I'm having a great comeback. I'm happy and enjoying the moment. But I'm healthy and I want more."
Italian Vanni, who was serving for the match in the final set but was immediately broken back, said: "I didn't want to think we were at 5-4 and I was serving for the championship.
"I started with a good serve and then he played solid and didn't miss a ball. He put every ball inside the court.
"I took some risks, which can be good sometimes and sometimes not. But I have to be satisfied after this week."
