"With him, I felt comfortable, and I felt like he really appreciates my game, the way I am," Simona Halep said of her new coach.
The Italian saved three points to defeat Tommy Paul. It's the fourth time he has saved match points in a victory this season.
The American claimed the 100k title in Charleston, in just her third tournament since returning to the tour.
The Spaniard says he will treat his first week back on the tour like a preseason.
Barcelona champion has one birthday dream.
"He's my coach... I hope for a very long time," world No. 3 said of Sergi Bruguera.
Two-time Monte-Carlo champion on Madrid's demands.
