Marcelo Rios came back from an early service loss to defeat Michael Stich 6-3, 6-3 and win the title at the BlackRock Tour of Champions event in Barcelona.
Rios, who dominated the circuit of former World No.1’s, Grand Slam finalists and Davis Cup winners in 2006, began what could be another impressive year in fine style.
Stich caused him trouble early on with his serve and volley style, but Rios eventually got to grips with the German and pummelled away from the baseline.
“It’s nice to come here to Barcelona and win the title,” said Rios.
“Stich is tough to play because he is always at the net, but I played pretty good. When I play an event I try to get in good shape so that I can play good tennis.”
Stich was disappointed to have been re-broken after starting so well.
“I had my chances, but I wasn’t moving well enough today and Marcelo is still very fit and strong,” said Stich. “He played well today and he has such variety with short angled backhands and high looping forehands. He would still give the guys today trouble with that style.”
Third place went to Cedric Pioline, whose opponent Albert Costa was forced to retire with an injury while 7-6, 3-1 down.
Next, the BlackRock Tour of Champions will visit the Foro Italico in Rome over the weekend of the 10th and 11th May, and then the BlackRock Tennis Classic at the Rothenbaum Club in Hamburg, 14-18 May.
After that, Pete Sampras will make his long awaited debut on the BlackRock Tour of Champions in Sao Paulo, 21-24 May, 2008.
Here he looks forward to playing in Sao Paulo, and again in London in December.
The Tour opened in Belfast in February with Anders Jarryd successfully defending his title.
