Agassi: Kuerten is a true champion

13 April 2012

Gustavo Kuerten's 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 win over Andre Agassi in the Masters Cup Final in Lisbon saw him become the first non-American to end the year as world No 1 since Stefan Edberg in 1991.

He was also the first South American tennis player to finish the season in pole position after his victory leapfrogged him over Russia's Marat Safin into the top spot in the Champions Race.

"It really was a tight year," grinned the Brazilian.

Kuerten beat Pete Sampras in the semi-finals before overcoming another American, Agassi, in the final.

"This is just huge for me," added Kuerten. "It is a great feeling. The way I played I really deserved to beat Pete and Andre.

"I think something very special happened this week. I think I am a lucky guy but also I've been determined and strong."

Agassi had been bidding for his second end-of-season title 10 years after his first but in the end could only admire Kuerten's performance.

"He proved himself a true champion," said Agassi.

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