Tuesday, 8 January, 2008

Russian Mikhail Youzhny claimed his fourth ATP singles title on Sunday with a stunning 6-0 6-1 victory over world number two Rafael Nadal in the final of the Chennai Open.

The top-seeded Nadal showed the effects of Saturday's marathon four-hour semi-final victory over fellow Spaniard Carlos Moya, and barely put up a fight in the first set which lasted a mere 24 minutes.

The fourth-seeded Youzhny dropped just three points on his serve in the first set as he broke Nadal three times in the second, fourth and sixth games to set him well on his way to lifting the trophy.

"I am very happy with this title but I did not play against Rafael Nadal," Youzhny said.

"He was dead and could not move, I have to thank Carlos (Moya) for keeping him on the court for four hours last night.

"I really can't say much more about the final, bad luck for Rafa. This week I started slowly but then played better and better round after round. It is a great start to 2008."

In claiming the Chennai title, Youzhny has become the first Russian to lift the trophy in the event's 13-year history.

Nadal, meanwhile, admitted he had nothing left to give following his epic against Moya.

"(Youzhny) played very well and I have to congratulate him," he said. "I don't want to make any excuses. I played almost four hours last night and maybe it was too much to come back less than 24 hours later and play the final. I did not recover.

"Last night it was so emotional against Carlos, who is one of my best friends. I am still happy with my week, first tournament and I reach the final."

Murray to face Safin at Kooyong
Rusedski: Murray can be number one
Federer out of Kooyong Classic
Bondarenko too strong for Moore
Blake falls in Sydney
Tennis launches review
Chakvetadze crashes out
Chela secures second-round spot
Youzhny shocks Nadal in final
Gustavo to draw Kuerten on career