Gaston Gaudio takes on compatriot and tournament favourite Guillermo Coria in the French Open final at Roland Garros on Sunday.
Like Dutchman Martin Verkerk last year, 25-year-old Gaudio reached the final as an unseeded player - he is number 40 in the world.
After beating compatriot Guillermo Canas, the Czech Republic's Jiri Novak - both in five sets - and then Sweden's Thomas Enqvist, Russia's Igor Andreev and 12th seed and former number one Lleyton Hewitt, Gaudio yesterday raised his game further to inflict a straight-sets defeat on another Argentinian, David Nalbandian.
Third seed Coria beat British number one Tim Henman in four sets and came into the tournament as favourite after winning the Buenos Aires and the Monte Carlo Masters Series events.
Gaudio hopes to follow in the steps of his heroes Guillermo Vilas and Diego Maradona and become a national sporting idol: "Diego is a legend in Argentina, probably the most adored person. We actually have two idols back there, and they are Maradona and Vilas."
Meanwhile Coria, who was named Guillermo after the former tennis champion, has insisted he has never been calmer and stronger physically. "I am calm, things have been going well for me this year and I am going to try to make the most of it," he added.
Filed by Barry McEneaney
