Champion Mantilla survives four match points in Rome
Tue 4 May, 2004 14:17
ROME, May 4 (Reuters) - Defending champion Felix Mantilla saved four match points as he battled back from the brink of defeat in the first round of the Rome Masters on Tuesday to beat American Robby Ginepri 5-7 7-5 6-0.
The Spaniard, who last year pulled off a shock victory over Roger Federer in the final to become the first unseeded player in 40 years to win in Rome, trailed 5-1 in the second set, but managed to reel in Ginepri and force a third set.
A dispirited Ginepri, who reached the last 16 of the Australian Open earlier this year, capitulated in the decider.
The Rome tournament has a reputation as a title notoriously difficult to win two years in a row.
Seven of the eight champions previous to Mantilla had failed to defend their title beyond the second round.
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