Monaco wins in Buenos Aires for first title

BUENOS AIRES, Feb 25 (Reuters) Argentina's Juan Monaco outclassed Alessio di Mauro to win the Buenos Aires Open today and claim the first ATP title of his career.

The Tandil-born 22-year-old, who knocked out defending champion Carlos Moya on his way to the final, swept to a 6-1 6-2 win in 64 minutes against the left-handed Italian.

The two non-seeded players were both bidding for their first singles trophy and it was the more experienced Di Mauro, 29, who suffered from nerves.

Monaco, ranked 66th, quickly took control with a service break in the second game.

He broke again in the sixth game, sending the crowd into raptures when he produced a winner by hitting the ball between his legs with his back to the court after being lobbed.

In the next game, Monaco saved two break points and then wrapped up the set with an ace and another serve which Di Mauro returned into the net.

Monaco, who hit 12 winners in the first set, continued his dominance as he began the second set with another service break, taking the first game with a sneaky drop shot.

He took advantage of a sloppy play by Di Mauro to break again in the seventh game, then held serve to clinch the title.

Reuters SBA RN0105