Santiago | Jarry delivers for home fans

Chilean Nicolas Jarry won his second career title when he defeated Argentina’s Tomas Martin Etcheverry 6-7(5) 7-6(5) 6-2 in front of his home fans at the Club Deportivo Universidad Catolica in Santiago, the country’s capital.

He played unbelievable tournament, an unbelievable two sets. I managed to win the second tie-break, which I knew was very important emotionally. Nicolas Jarry

“It’s really unbelievable. I can’t believe that I’m champion in this historic tournament of my family,” the 27-year-old Jarry told the ATP Tour website after the two-hour, 47-minute win. “It means a lot to me, especially for the two weeks in a row. It’s been very tough and I managed to keep on going this week. It’s been amazing.”

It didn’t look good for the home player and his supporters despite leading 4-1 in the second set as they remembered his inconsistency as he double faulted to negate that advantage for his Argentine opponent who was chasing his first title in his first appearance in a final. Jarry also trailed by a mini break in the ensuing tiebreak.

But Etcheverry, who was within two points of his first Tour title at 5-5 in that tie-break, was unable to take make the final push to cross the line and was forced into a decider.

“I think [Tomas] went down a little bit in the third set. I tried to push with all my heart here,” Jarry said. “He played unbelievable tournament, an unbelievable two sets. I managed to win the second tie-break, which I knew was very important emotionally.”

The former world No.38 proved to be stronger than his opponent which proved critical. He held his nerve with a backhand winner to earn two break points in the first game of the third set and then punished a forehand to seize the lead.

The Chilean never looked back, maintaining momentum to the finish line, much to the delight of the Santiago faithful who lept to their feet when he secured his victory.

With that success, Jarry – who was suspended fro doping violation back in 2000 – should improve his ranking by over 30 places.