What can I say of Albert Montanes wining Estoril Open, when he comes from a nation with 9 players in the top ATP 50 world tennis players and that this is considered a draught in Spanish tennis? I have literally nothing to say, but congrats Albert!

On the other hand I have plenty to say about the 'little guy' Fernando Gil, who has to struggle for everything he gets, gives it all and it is still not enough because soccer in Portugal is the measuring stick by which other athletes are measured by.

Nevertheless Gil who came into the tournament as a wild card in my opinon gave much better account of himself than 'super star' World No. 1 Roger Federer of Switzerland who collapsed without much noise or even a fight to Montanes in the semis 6-2, 7-6(5).

Here I make a small intermezzo in this article.

Roger Federer for the second time in his career playing Estoril Open, amazing!

Also amazing is that Roger did not play Monte Carlo a tournament with a total financial commitment:€2,750,000 and goes and plays Estoril Open a tournament with a total financial commitment:€450,000! Boy I am puzzled, nice Doctor he must have to get him out of Monte Carlo!!

If I was to put this into perspective and compare it to my humble tennis, Roger Federer World No. 1 playing Estoril would be the same as when I was Portugal No. 1 and I would enter and play a 3rd category tournament in Portugal!

As you can understand I never did that or would not do that no matter how much the tournament organizers would offer me!

For three simple reasons:

- First, self-esteem.

- Second, respect for my fellow players to give them a chance to win too!

- Third, greed does not command my life.

Anyway times have changed and even 'super stars' take whatever they can, it must be the fault of the world economic crisis!

Sure enough the 'little guy' Gil happy to get just a wild card and no fat guarantees or a deposit on his favorite charity, or whatever, gave it all! Of course he got lots of embraces, pats on the back and for the flicker of a moment he is loved by the descendents of the once upon a time greatest navigators, adventurers and explores on earth.

Now I am going to get on Gil!

Frederico, you had the match! The only mistake you made was when you served at 3-0 to 4-0 on the 3rd set, you decided to change tactics!

Instead of continuing to pound your backhand cross court hard and semi-flat and wait for the forehand winner or the flat backhand up the line, you got impatient!

Also on that game in the second point you went down line (first shot) with an unforced error in the forehand, instead of going cross court and engage in the rally.

You had Albert,beaten, mentally, morally and physically but, those easy errors gave him a second wind and allowed Montanes to mount a come back.

Pity because at that point you deserved to win.

There was an old person that I respect(ed) very much called Mr. Harry Hopman, who always said, 'never change a winning tactic'!

Failing to do that cost you the title and glory similar to our navigators! Another thing, you said:

"This was my best result so far, I’m really happy to have reached the final at home in Estoril. It was a great match, I was leading 3-0 in the third set but I couldn’t maintain the level to the end. He is a very experienced player and he got the title.

"I was trying to play my best tennis and to maintain the level I wanted [in the third set]. But I want to compliment Montanes, who stayed there all the time and forced me to play my best tennis. He never stopped running and that is why he is ranked in the 30s and I’m at No. 134.

You are much better than that and should not measure yourself by rankings and numbers. If you stick to your guns and fight you can beat anyone!

Also if there were any questions between you and Nuno Marques of who is the best Portuguese tennis player ever? You answered it yesterday, you are!



Another thing you did right you never exploited the 'home' advantage, you were fair and never questioned any decisions from the referee or lines people, that was commendable and deserves a thank you from your opponent.

Now heed the words from your opponent:

"It feels great to defend the title, my fourth career title," said Montanes. "This is a special place for me and I’m happy to have won it again.

"I am definitely playing the best tennis of my career and if I keep playing like that I think I can break into the Top 20."

Remember what I said above? 'If you stick to your guns and fight you can beat anyone!'

In the end it was one nail bite away, for Gil on the brink of making title history at estoril!

Hope you enjoyed!

Sergio Cruz

Questions About Tennis Anyone? Feel free to ask, if I can not answer myself, I will research and find the solution to your question. Write directly to me at, cruze (@) bluewin.ch

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