STOCKHOLM, Sweden — Top-seeded David Nalbandian capped a near perfect week with a 6-2, 5-7, 6-3 win over local favorite Robin Soderling in the Stockholm Open final today.

The seventh-ranked Argentine lost just one set in five matches on the Royal Tennis Hall's hard courts.

"It was great," Nalbandian said. "The conditions are perfect to play indoors. It could be faster or slower. I adapt my game to play here and I really like it."

Nalbandian earned his second win of the season and ninth career victory. It was also the first singles victory by an Argentine in the 40-year history of the tournament.

Nalbandian won his first title of the year in Buenos Aires in February and lost the championship match in Acapulco the following week.

Both players held their serve in the third set until the seventh game, when Nalbandian broke to take a 4-3 lead on his fourth break point after the Swede netted a backhand.

Nalbandian then held and wrapped up the match with another break after the fourth-seeded Soderling double-faulted on match point.

"I was supposed to win in the second set when I was a break up, but he started playing better under the pressure," Nalbandian said.

"The third set was very tight. When I got the break I think I had everything under control."

Soderling also lost the 2003 Stockholm final to Mardy Fish.

Nalbandian, who improved to 5-1 against Soderling, next will head to Spain to begin his defense of his Madrid Masters title.

"Madrid's altitude is 4-500 meters I think and it will take a few days to adapt," he said. "Of course it will be different, but I think I'm playing well now and I'll try to win again. But my big goal is the Davis Cup final."

Argentina hosts Spain in Mar del Plata in the Davis Cup final from Nov. 21-23.

Roger Federer withdrew from the Stockholm Open, leaving Nalbandian as the top-seeded player. Defending champion Ivo Karlovic also skipped the event.