Tennis: Moya Beats Nalbandian to Take Italian Open

Spain's Carlos Moya, the 1998 French Open champion, added to his considerable portfolio of clay court titles by defeating David Nalbandian of Argentina 6-3, 6-3, 6-1 in the final of the Italian Open yesterday. This was the 27-year-old Spaniard's 17th career tournament victory, and his 14th on the surface that is second nature to him.

It now remains to be seen whether Moya can carry this form forward to Roland Garros, which begins in two weeks. Certainly he looked totally convincing against Nalbandian, who could not match the Spaniard's variety and became ever more disconsolate.

The 22-year-old Argentinian, a surprise Wimbledon finalist on his first appearance in 2002 when he lost to Australia's Lleyton Hewitt, regards clay as his least favourite surface. Not that this will stop him being a considerable threat in Paris.

Moya, who with 33 has now won more matches this year than any other player, had previously failed to impress at the Foro Italico, only once reaching the quarter-finals in eight attempts. "There was no reason. It was just a matter of time, and this year I was very confident."

Moya also benefited from the absence of his fellow Spaniard Juan Carlos Ferrero, the reigning French Open champion, and Argentina's Guillermo Coria, the current favourite.

Venus Williams' future is in doubt again just when it seemed she was returning to her best. The former Wimbledon champion left Berlin on crutches yesterday after withdrawing with ankle and hip injuries from the German Open. She had been on the verge of her 16th successive victory and three successivetitles for the first time in her career.

Instead Amélie Mauresmo regained the title by default, leaving Venus doubtful for the French Open. The world No2 Kim Clijsters has already pulled out of the French with a wrist injury and her fellow Belgian Justine Henin-Hardenne, the world No1 and defending champion, is a doubtful starter because of a viral infection.