Kitzbuehel (Austria), July 28: Second-seeded Guillermo Coria cruised past Nicolas Massu 6-1 6-4 6-2 in the Generali Open final and won his second ATP title in two weeks.
It was Coria's third title this year and fourth of his career, and he earned his 10th straight victory yesterday after claiming the Mercedes Cup in Stuttgart last Sunday.

The 21-year-old Argentine, nicknamed "El Mago," the magician, joined Lleyton Hewitt as the only players to win successive titles this season.

"I am very, very happy to have won this prestigious tournament. Although it might have looked pretty easy for the viewers, it was not at all," Coria said. He didn't concede a set in the 48-man tournament, and appeared to feel no discomfort in temperatures around 42 degrees celsius.



Massu, riding a 10-win streak including last week's Dutch Open title in Amersfoort, served five aces in the first set but was broken twice, and didn't have any break points.



Coria broke early again in the second set, as his Chilean friend began losing focus and smashing his racket into the clay. Another quick break in the third, set up Coria's 21st win in his last 22 matches on clay and US$140,000 prize money.



Coria overtook Andre Agassi for third place in the ATP champions race, the yearlong race in which the top eight play for the season-ending Masters Cup.



"My aim is to play at the Masters Cup, so each match is like a final to me. I am pushing hard right from the start," Coria said. "I am talking to myself, keeping myself motivated which helps a lot."


Bureau Report