Gonzalez repeats as champion at Vina del Mar

VINA DEL MAR, CHILE (TICKER) —Fernando Gonzalez defended his title with ease on Sunday.

The top-seeded Chilean breezed past fourth-seeded Argentine Jose Acasuso, 6-1, 6-3 in the final of the Movistar Open. For his efforts, he picked up a first-prize check for $81,500 after dispensing with the 2006 champion in 55 minutes.

Making his fifth appearance in the final following his straight sets triumph over Pablo Cuevas, the 18th-ranked Gonzalez has claimed titles here in 2002 and 2004. All told, Gonzalez captured his 11th ATP title in his 22nd career final.

“Every player dreams to win a title in his home country in front of his crowd. I’m happy to have done it four times and I can only hope this wasn’t the last time,” Gonzalez said. “It is always fantastic to feel the energy from the crowd. That’s nothing better than this.”

With the second set tied at 3-3, Gonzalez broke Acasuso’s serve to turn the tide of the match decidedly in his favor. A double fault by Acasuso gave Gonzalez a 5-3 lead, and the Chilean held serve to win the title.

The 28-year-old Gonzalez, who also finished runner-up in 2005, improved to 28-6 lifetime in Vina del Mar, and 8-2 against Acasuso.

“I would like to thank (Acasuso) to let me win the title,” Gonzalez said. “He is a great friend of mine and if I hadn’t won the trophy would still be in good hands.”

The 26-year-old Acasuso rallied to defeat second-seeded Tommy Robredo of Spain, 5-7, 6-2, 6-4, to advance to the finals, but could not duplicate the feat against Gonzalez.

“I’m a bit upset for not playing as good as I wanted,” Acasuso said. “Fernando had a great week and deserved to win the title. Even though I still feel I had a good week.”