Pablo Cuevas has won the biggest title of his career with victory at the ATP Rio Open in the early hours of Monday morning.
Cuevas beat fellow unseeded finalist Guido Pella 6-4 6-7(5) 6-4, his fourth ATP crown yet first at 500 level.
The Uruguayan in the semifinals defeated No.1 seed Rafael Nadal, one of five left-handed opponents he beat en route to the title.
He becomes the first player to win a ATP tournament without facing a right-hander.
The final was delayed for more than three hours due to rain, and finished at 12.25am on Monday (Rio de Janeiro time).
“I’m very happy to win my first 500 title, especially after winning a special semifinal against one of the greatest players ever on clay (Nadal),” Cuevas said.
“Today, against Guido, I won a difficult but good match between the two of us. I really love my time in Brazil, not only when I’m on court. I enjoy it when I play here.
“Guido is a very complete player. He had a great week here. I have nothing but nice words to say about him.”
Cuevas will remain in Brazil to contest this week’s ATP event in Sao Paulo.
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