Del Potro beats Verdasco to win Estoril Open

OEIRAS, Portugal (AP)—Juan Martin del Potro of Argentina beat Fernando Verdasco of Spain 6-2, 6-2 in the Estoril Open final on Sunday, claiming victory in his first clay-court event of the year.

The eighth-seeded Del Potro set the tone early by breaking Verdasco’s first service game. He went on to break his opponent twice more to cruise through a first set that he sealed with an ace.

Verdasco struggled on serve all match and was broken again in the first game of the second set.

The Spaniard was broken again to trail 5-2 after making four consecutive errors, allowing del Potro to serve out the match.

It was the former U.S. Open champion’s 10th career win and his second title since recovering from wrist surgery last year.

Del Potro improved his record since his return to 23-3. He has risen from No. 484 in February to his current ranking of No. 46.