Estoril Open 2002 News and Events

Guillermo Coria
© João Lagos Sports

On Thursday the organizers of the Estoril Open announced their decision to award their first wild card for the men's tournament to Argentina's Guillermo Coria.

The 20-year-old Argentine captured his career-first ATP title in Vina del Mar last season, defeating Gaston Gaudio in the final. He also advanced to the final in Mallorca, where he lost to Alberto Martin.

Coria made his Estoril debut last year and was ousted by Spaniard Albert Portas in the second round.

"My choice for the first wild card was based on the future generation instead of contemplating a player with an established curriculum like Michael Chang or Marc Rosset, who also asked for wild cards. Coria is a player of enormous talent with a great margin for improvement who was unfortunate in the last few months. We are here to help him, as with all other players who deserve it. The Estoril Open has been a launching ramp for many young promising players, who never forget what the Estoril Open did for them. I believe that Guillermo will soon be at the top of the game," said Tournament Director Joao Lagos about his choice of wild card.