Estoril Open News and Events

Albert Montanes

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Seventh-seeded Spaniard Albert Montanes advanced to his sixth ATP World Tour final, after beating Paul Capdeville of Chile 6-3, 6-4 in a rain-interrupted semi-final on Centralito at the Estoril Open on Saturday.

Second seed Nikolay Davydenko, the 2003 champion (d. Calleri) and a two-time runner-up at the Estadio Nacional in 2006 (l. to Nalbandian) and 2008 (l. to Federer), was leading fourth-seeded American James Blake 7-6(3), 2-4 in their interrupted semi-final on Central court when the pair’s seventh career meeting was suspended due to bad light.

The pair will resume their clash on Sunday at 12 noon local time. The men’s singles final is scheduled to be played at 3 p.m.

Montanes led Capdeville 3-0, when rain first interrupted their first meeting at 4:22 p.m. The pair resumed their semi-final one hour and 46 minutes later on Centralito, the ATP World Tour 250 tournament’s second show court. Montanes wrapped up the first set in 33 minutes having hit four aces and converting two of two break point opportunities.

Capdeville regained his composure and moved into a 3-1 lead in the second set. The duo then exchanged three successive service breaks, before Montanes sealed a crucial service break at 5-4. Moments later the 28 year old wrapped up his 13th win of the 2009 ATP World Tour season.

The last Spaniard to win the Estoril Open title was former World No. 1 Juan Carlos Ferrero, who defeated countryman Felix Mantilla in 2001. Tommy Robredo was runner-up to Gaston Gaudio in 2005.

World No. 35 Montanes has a 1-4 career record in ATP World Tour finals and will be appearing in his first title-match since winning his maiden title at Amersfoort (d. Darcis) in July 2008.

The 26-year-old Capdeville, who upset fifth seed and two-time former champion David Nalbandian 6-2, 6-2 in the first round, was hoping to reach his first ATP World Tour singles final. He falls to 6-4 on the year.

Davydenko is hoping to snap a six-match losing streak against Blake. Blake took a 3-1 lead in the pair’s first clay-court meeting before rain interrupted play.

The top-ranked Russian, at No. 11 in the South African Airways 2009 ATP Rankings, fought back from a 4-2 deficit in the first set to take the 54-minute opener 7-3 in the tie-break.

Davydenko squandered two break point opportunities in the second game of the second set, which the 27 year old regretted one game later when Blake broke serve and went on to open up a 3-1 lead. Blake was leading 4-2, when play was suspended due to bad light.

Blake is hoping to emulate compatriot Todd Martin who was the last American to reach the Estoril final in 1999 (l. to Albert Costa).

Saturday: Rain Delays Play For First Time This Week

Friday: Montanes Upsets Simon, Davydenko To Face Blake

Thursday: Simon Into QFs; Blake Finding Form

Wednesday: Davydenko To Meet Fish; Ferrer Falls

Tuesday: Davydenko Safe; Ferrer Survives Fright

Monday: Nalbandian Wilts In Estoril's Heat

Sunday: Maximo Gonzalez Sole Winner On Day One