Norman wins Italian Open

Magnus Norman showed why he is the hottest player in men's tennis.

A day after taking over the No. 1 spot in the ATP chase, the Swede defeated Gustavo Kuerten, a Brazilian with serious clay court credentials, in the finals of the Italian Open. The victory, 6-3, 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, was Norman's biggest career win and made him the first Swede to win in Rome since Mats Wilander in 1987.

It gave the usually modest-sounding Swede a boost of confidence a few weeks before the French Open, the only Grand Slam played on clay.

"I know going into the French I can win the title," Norman said.

He put together the victory with steady play and a booming service, recording 23 aces that kept Kuerten, the defending Rome champion and 1997 French Open titlist, from getting into the match.

The Brazilian struggled to find his rhythm, registering 45 unforced errors on the red clay of the Foro Italico. He also called in a trainer twice to help with his chronic back pains.

Kuerten said he began to feel tired midway through the third set and that his injury kicked up, but he gave credit to Norman.

"He doesn't have any weaknesses in his game. He's a solid player and he's in his best form."

Asked the secret of his victory, Norman said simply: "Hard work."

It has taken him far, from a promising start that appeared jeopardized when he underwent five hours of surgery in 1997 to correct an irregular heart rate.

Norman overtook Andre Agassi at the top of the ATP Champions Race with his win in the semifinals and showed he was ready to contend for the big tournaments with the victory in Rome, part of the Tennis Masters Series.

His victory Sunday brought his second title this year and boosted his match record to 32-9.

Norman raced out to a 5-0 lead in the first set before Kuerten slowed him down and began to show some signs of life. The defending champion rallied in the second set, breaking Norman at 5-4 to win the set, as the Swede slammed his racquet in disgust.

The third set was the key. With both men have difficulty holding serve, and looking tired, Norman suddenly appeared fresh again and began hitting the lines with backhand drives.

When the Brazilian sought to change the rhythm and ventured toward the net, Norman burned him with passing shots or courageous lobs.

Norman earned $400,000 for the victory, and Kuerten won $211,000.

The $1m women's events opens on Monday with Lindsay Davenport, who has recaptured the No. 1 ranking, heading the field. Such top players as Martina Hingis, Serena Williams, Conchita Martinez and Anna Kournikova are all out with injury.