Garin clinches fifth ATP title at Chile Open

SANTIAGO- Chilean top-seed Cristian Garin secured his fifth ATP tour title with a 6-4, 6-7(3), 7-5 victory over Argentine Facundo Bagnis in the Chile Open final on Sunday.

Garin struck 14 aces and won 71% of his first serves to prevail in two hours and 36 minutes on the outdoor clay of Club Deportivo Universidad Catolica in Santiago.

The 24-year-old, who lost only one set in the tournament, expressed surprise at his quick return to form after a wrist injury and a battle with COVID-19 at the start of 2021.

"My biggest objective has always been to keep winning titles but I wasn't expecting to win in Chile after the way I began the year," Garin said.

"I always kept on training and staying positive, and I'm so happy that it's paid off. Of course, I miss having a crowd especially while I'm playing at home, but I'm very pleased with this result."

Garin, who jumped from 22 to 20 in the world rankings, is the first Chilean to win a home event since Fernando Gonzalez at Vina del Mar in 2009.