Pioline Tops In Monte Carlo

Cedric Pioline became the first French player since 1963 to win the Monte Carlo Open, beating Dominik Hrbaty of Slovakia 6-4, 7-6 (3), 7-6 (6) in the final Sunday.

Moving well despite a steady rain, Pioline captured the most important title of his career.

"I am really proud to win because there is a great tradition here," he said. "I am a bit old but I will be back."

The 30-year-old Frenchman is the first from his country to win this clay court tournament since Pierre Darmon. Pioline has twice been a runner-up in Grand Slam events the 1993 U.S. Open and 1997 Wimbledon. This was the fifth title of his career.

Pioline, seeded eighth in the $2.95 million tournament, earned $400,000 for the victory.

"It was very tough because Dominik played really well," he said. "I am running like when I was 20. I am really enjoying what I am doing. That is why I am still playing."

Hrbaty, a French Open semifinalist last year, was playing in his first final of a significant tournament. He beat top-seeded Yevgeny Kafelnikov and clay court specialist Alex Corretja en route to the title match.

"It was my first big final and a great tournament for me," he said.

Pioline made only 36 percent of first serves in the opening set. He broke serve in the first game but Hrbaty rallied to make it 4-4. Pioline immediately broke back.

Hrbaty composed himself in the second set, saving three break points at 3-3 but Pioline broke at love to make it 4-4. Pioline, serving for the second set at 5-4, took a 30-0 lead but lost the next four points before dominating the tiebreaker.

Hrbaty was serving for the third set at 5-4, but Pioline did not fold. The Frenchman made the most of his first break point of the set. The 11th game lasted 17 minutes, with Pioline holding after nine deuces and going on to take the tiebreaker.

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