Pablo Cuevas defeats Pablo Carreno Busta to claim Brasil Open crown
Monday 29 February 2016 08:06, UK
Pablo Cuevas successfully defended his Brasil Open title on Sunday, beating Pablo Carreno Busta in Sao Paulo.
The 30-year-old followed up his Rio Open victory with a 7-6 6-3 win over his Spanish opponent in an hour and 25 minutes.
The Uruguayan only dropped serve once and converted three break-point chances - in contrast to last year when he broke back from 5-4 down in the final set to see off Luca Vanni.
"During the tournament, I didn't play as well as I did in Rio," he told the ATP Tour's official website.
"I was making more unforced errors and being less aggressive - but I was focused and calm, which was the key to winning this week.
My goal is to be in the Top 20 this year. I hope to keep playing like I've done in the past weeks.
"I was down in the tie-break, but came back to win the first set. In the second there were many long rallies but I think he got a little tired and I was able to make a difference.
"You have pressure as the defending champion but winning in Rio against [Rafael] Nadal gave me a lot of confidence.
"I'm very proud of the way I handled the conditions here and to win again in Sao Paulo.
"My goal is to be in the Top 20 this year. I hope to keep playing like I've done in the past weeks."
