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    Cuevas, Schiavone reign supreme in Rio tennis

    Uruguay’s Pablo Cuevas, who shocked Rafael Nadal in the semifinals, won his fourth career ATP title on Sunday, when he defeated Argentina’s Guido Pella 6-4, 6-7 (5/7), 6-4 in the Rio Open men’s singles final.

    Cuevas, Schiavone reign supreme in Rio tennis
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    Pablo Cuevas

    Cuevas smashed a forehand winner on the final point, the only break point either player managed in the last two sets, to win the title after two hours and 16 minutes at the clay court event. 

    Former French Open champion Francesca Schiavone, who turns 36 in June, won her first title since 2013  when she defeated Shelby Rogers of the United States 2-6, 6-2, 6-2 in the women’s final. 

    The Italian former world number four, now ranked at 132, came back from a set and a break down to defeat her 23-year-old opponent and claim her seventh career title. Schiavone is the third Italian winner on the WTA Tour this year after Roberta Vinci in St Petersburg last week and Sara Errani in Dubai on Saturday. 

    Sunday’s victory was a welcome relief for Schiavone, who missed out on a 62nd consecutive Grand Slam main draw appearance when she fell in the second round of qualifying at the Australian Open in January. 

    It also guarantees a return to the world top 100 next week for the veteran who is in her third decade on tour. “I’m really happy to be here -- I wrote this speech this morning, regardless of the result, because I wanted to share my joy with you,” Schiavone said as she addressed the crowd in Portuguese. 

    “Today is a happy day and I’m very emotional because Brazil is such a wonderful country. Your smile fulfilled my days here and I wish you the best for the Olympic Games. “I want to thank everybody who helped me, and now it s time to enjoy.” 

    Later Sunday, Uruguay’s Pablo Cuevas, who knocked out Rafael Nadal in the semi-finals, faces Guido Pella of Argentina in the men’s final of the claycourt event. 

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