Points won by each set: [ 33-27, 41-39 ]
Points won directly on serve:
18 % Gaudio – 15 of 80
25 % Gonzalez – 15 of 60
Gaudio [8] had to wait eight months for his another title following sensational triumph at Roland Garros. In the meantime he lost three finals against South American players (Zabaleta, Canas, Massu). He was finally successful in VdM facing not only another South American player, but the partisan crowd as well. In the 2nd set Gonzalez [14] led 4:1* (deuce) and 4:2 (40/0). The last game of the final was the longest – seven deuces, Gonzalez had a break point, then saved four match points (three with winners), and wasted another two break points. “I might have not played my best tennis today but with Fernando it is very difficult.” Gaudio said. “It depends on his game. But the important thing is to win a tournament like this that I was so close to win before.” (he lost a 5-7 decider in the 2002 final vs Coria) The following week Gaudio triumphed in Buenos Aires and it finished his streak of six finals in his six consecutive events on clay. Due to tiredness he was injured (left hip) and retired after splitting sets vs Zib in Acapulco 1R.
Gaudio’s route to his 4th title:
1 Jiri Vanek 7-6(6), 6-2
2 David Sanchez 6-4, 6-2
Q Jose Acasuso 6-2, 3-6, 6-1
S David Ferrer 6-3, 4-6, 6-2
W Fernando Gonzalez 6-3, 6-4