Almagro retains Sao Paulo title

Nicolas Almagro made it a hat-trick of titles in Sao Paulo as he won the Brasil Open for the third time.

Defending the second of those crowns which he won last year, the Spaniard was not at his best against Filippo Volandri, but still had enough to take the match 6-3 4-6 6-4.

The world number 11, who had to enter as a wildcard, may not have been in top gear but had the comfort of being able to hide behind his serve, sending down 18 aces and winning 88% of the points on his first serve.

A fourth break of serve in the final set sealed victory in two hours and two minutes.

"This was not my best match here in Brazil, as I was tense and nervous," Almagro said afterwards.

"But once again, I had control of my emotions, which is what I have always demanded, controlling the important moments. I think it's good to win a tournament and be able to think that I can still play a little better."