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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted at 6:23 a.m., Sunday, July 13, 2008

Tennis: Del Potro wins 1st title over Gasquet in Stuttgart

Associated Press

STUTTGART, Germany — Juan Martin del Potro won his first ATP title today, upsetting second-seeded Richard Gasquet 6-4, 7-5 in the clay-court Mercedes Cup final.

The 19-year-old Argentine broke Gasquet for a 5-4 lead in the first set and, after a brief rain delay, broke the Frenchman again to lead 6-5 in the second. Del Potro closed out the victory with a strong serve and a forehand winner off Gasquet's return.

Along with his first title, del Potro also collected a white convertible presented by the tournament sponsor.

"This is incredible. I've dreamed of winning a tournament since I've been a kid and now I also get a car," said del Potro, who drove it around the court after the awards ceremony. He also earned $186,853 for the win.

"I congratulate Juan Martin but he'd better be careful, it's a fast car," Gasquet joked.

Del Potro, who entered the event ranked No. 65, beat four seeded players to win the tournament.