Nicolas Almagro Wins Inaugural Miami Tennis Cup

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Nicolas Almagro Wins Inaugural Miami Tennis Cup

By Tennis Now Staff

(December 3, 2012) -- Stadium Court at Crandon Park Tennis Center in Key Biscayne, FL. hosted its largest crowd on Sunday afternoon, as fans witnessed Andy Roddick’s farewell to South Florida in the final of the Miami Tennis Cup.

Roddick and Spaniard Nicolás Almagro, had only met twice before on the ATP circuit and Roddick won both meetings, the last being in the 2010 Sony Open quarterfinals. Roddick took his final match against Almagro a little more seriously than his semifinal match against Andy Murray on Saturday, although he wasn’t able to dominate Almagro at any point in the match. Almagro’s pinpoint accuracy from the baseline seemed to overwhelm Roddick’s defense, as he found himself having to move around the court with far more effort than his opponent.

Almagro looked comfortable with Roddick’s serve throughout the match, after Roddick dropped the ninth game of the first set at 30-40 with an unforced backhand error into the net, losing the set 6-4. Roddick saved a break point in the second set but couldn’t hold on to any type of lead during the twelve games played, despite Almagro allowing one of the ball girls to play a point for him. A close fought second set ended in Almagro’s favor 7-5.

"I enjoyed myself and it’s nice for me to come back in a competitive atmosphere,” said Roddick. “I’ve been happy with how I played and I’m glad they had me here. I think the crowd have enjoyed the tennis they’ve seen." Almagro discussed his travels to Brazil over the next week to continue with his training, before playing another exhibition tournament in two weeks.

"I think it was a really good match, and he’s a very good player,” Almagro said. "I’m really happy with my game, although I think I can do better, but it’s the end of the season, and I’m a little bit tired. I’m happy to be the first champion of the Miami Tennis Cup and I think it’s a fun and enjoyable tournament. I hope to be back next year."

Both players were awarded their runners-up and winners trophies in front of a slew of photographers, after hitting signed balls in to the crowd. Nicolás Almagro took the liberty of lying down on the court among the spicy group of eighteen ball girls who gathered around him for one last crowd pleasing shot.

(Photo Credit: Getty Images for Miami Tennis Cup)