Hanescu claims first career tennis title at Gstaad Open

Victor Hanescu won his first career title as he took advantage of a tired Igor Andreev to claim a 6-3, 6-4 victory in 70 minutes at the Gstaad Open here on Sunday.

Currently ranked 80th in the world, Hanescu was playing in just his second career singles final. He lost to Gilles Simon last September at his hometown tournament in Bucharest.

"Last year I had a great opportunity to win my first title in the Bucharest final, as I led 6-4 and by a break of serve," Hanescu remarked. "Today when I got to a similar stage I was thinking this can't happen again. Not two times in a row. I had to stay strong mentally and I served well towards the end of the match."


Hanescu, 26, becomes the first from his country to win the trophy at this alpine resort venue since Ilie Nastase in 1973.

Andreev lost the Gstaad final four years ago against Roger Federer. The 34th-ranked Russian will turn 25 on Monday with the loss still fresh in his mind.

"I'm happy about reaching the Gstaad final again," said Andreev, "When I reached it the first time I knew it was going to be very difficult against Roger Federer. Today I hoped to have a better chance. But Victor was much better; I had no real chances today. He was unbeatable. I hope that one day I will hold the trophy in my hands."

"I've been unlucky here twice, but I will be back," said Andreev. "I wasn't so tired from playing twice, but Victor was just too good."


(source The Sports Network, photo/AP Photo/Keystone/ Peter Schneider)