Umag, Croatia: Uruguayan qualifier Pablo Cuevas ousted defending champion Tommy Robredo in straight sets to win his second ATP title in as many weeks at the Croatian Open on Sunday.
Cuevas saw off the Spanish second seed 6-3, 6-4 in the final after earlier beating No.1 seed Fabio Fognini in the rain-delayed semi-final.
Robredo had beaten home hope Marin Cilic, the third seed, 7-6 (12/10), 6-3, in Sunday’s other semi-final after rain had washed out action on Saturday.
World No.60 Cuevas, who claimed his maiden title at the Swedish Open, also on clay, earlier this month, won through in 90 minutes.
Robredo, ranked 18th, was competing in his 20th final and is now 12-8 in title matches.
In the first set, both Cuevas and Robredo held serve until 3-2, when the South American made a break for a 4-2 lead.
The 28-year-old Uruguayan won the first set in 42 minutes 6-3. He immediately made a break in the second for a 1-0 lead. After he was leading 4-1, Robredo pressed, broke for 2-4 and 3-4.
But Cuevas was making less unforced errors and held on to win the second set and the match.
“I’m thrilled ... I had a fantastic week in Umag,” he said.
Robredo paid tribute to his opponent, who “played a great match and the whole week at the tournament”.
