Víctor Estrella Burgos have successfully defended his title at the Ecuador Open after defeating Brazilian third seed Thomaz Bellucci 4-6,7-6(5), 6-2.
The route to the final was tough for both players. Defending champion Estrella Burgos overcame a tough three sets match against Argentine qualifier Renzo Olivo followed by a straight sets win over seventh seed Albert Ramos-Vinolas. Meanwhile Bellucci’s journey to the final was also a tricky experience. After defeating eighth seed Pablo Carreno Busta in the quarter-final, the third seed battled past Italy’s Andreas Seppi 3-6, 6-2,6-3.
The encounter between the two clay-court specialists began with little to distinguish between them. Both men were outstanding in their service games during the first eight games of the match. Estrella Burgos dropped only five points in his first four service games as Bellucci dropped only three in his opening quartet. The service consistency was dramatically halted when Bellucci, ranked 23 places higher than his opponent at 35th in the world, applied pressure on the defending champions serve. The attack from Bellucci resulted in him breaking to love to move ahead 5-4. That one lapse in Estrella Burgos game was fatal to his opening set chances as the Brazilian took the first set with his second set point.
Fueled by frustration of losing the first set, Estrella Burgos was forced to fend off two break points before holding his first serve of the second set. In contrast Bellucci continued his impressive display of serving, forcing his opponent to produce a series of errors. Emulating the opening set, both men remained resilient in their service games throughout the majority of the set. As Estrella Burgos served at 5-5, the Dominican republic player produced a series of wild shots during a long service game. Bellucci had a break point chance to serve for the match but failed to convert as Estrella Burgos held his nerve to nudge ahead 6-5 as the proceedings went into a tiebreak.
Continuing the second set trend, the tiebreaker was a close encounter. Initially Bellucci started the strongest after a sharp return forced Estrella Burgos to return the ball out. The mini break was then squandered after a forehand went wide from the Brazilian. As the tiebreaker progressed, it was the defending champion’s turn to pounce. A gigantic forehand broke Bellucci’s serve to lead 6-4, rewarding Estrella Burgos with two set points. After failing to convert his first, the 35-year-old was triumphant with his second after a big serve out wide forced his rival to return the ball out.
After his opponent failed to capitalize on a series of opportunities during the second set, Estrella Burgos inflicted further pressure on Bellucci by breaking him in the first game of the decider. The 35-year-old sealed the early break after a lengthy rally, consisting of numerous slices, concluded with the Brazilian hitting the ball out. The early break positioned Estrella Burgos in control of the match for the first time. The 35-year-old cruised through the final set after grabbing another break. At 4-2, a timid Bellucci fired a forehand into the net to award his opponent the chance to serve for the title. The Dominican Republic player closed out with ease after serving the match to love.
During the marathon match, which lasted a fraction over two hours, the 35-year-old produced eight aces, converted 2/7 break points and won 71% of his service points.
The victory in Quito is Estrella Burgos’ second ATP title of his career. The Ecuador Open is the only tournament where the Dominican has been able to reach the final on the ATP Tour. Last year at the tournament he became the first player from his country to win an ATP title.
