PARIS, NOV 7: World Number 1 Andre Agassi lifted his second trophy of the year in the French capital, easily defeating Russian Teenager Marat Safin 7-6 (7-1), 6-2, 4-6, 6-4 to win the $2.55 million Paris Open today. The 29-year-old American, returning to the scene of his greatest tennis triumph when he won the title at Roland Garros five months ago, confirmed his status as the best in the game with victory in two hours, 32 minutes.The win, worth $393,000, will boost Agassi's confidence as he takes a fortnight's break before returning to Europe for the eight-man season finale in Hanover starting on November 23.
``I'll never forget the time I spent in Paris in 1999,'' said Agassi. ``In the year 2000 I'll have to come back and speak a little French.''
Agassi remains the only man to have won both trophies on offer in Paris (his previous here was in 1994). Agassi, now 59-13 this year, added the Bercy honour to titles he's taken at the French and US Opens, plus Hong Kong and Washington during1999.
Tauziat triumphs
LEIPZIG, Germany: Nathalie Tauziat of France defeated Czech qualifier Kveta Hrdlickova 6-1, 6-3 to win the final of the $520,000 WTA Tournament in Leipzig.
Tauziat, 32, ranked eighth in the world, needed 72 minutes to overcome her 67th-ranked opponent who yesterday knocked out top seed Mary Pierce of France.
It was the ninth tournament win of Tauziat's career and the second this year after Moscow, earning her a cheque for $80,000.
Copyright © 1999 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.
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