GSTAAD, Switzerland, 14 July 2003 — Jiri Novak ended newly-crowned Wimbledon champion Roger Federer’s 14-match winning streak yesterday when he beat him in five sets to claim the Swiss Open title for a second time.

The Czech Republic’s leading player and third seed overcame the top-seeded Swiss hero 5-7, 6-3, 6-3, 1-6, 6-3 in an energysapping contest that lasted nearly three hours and was played in sweltering heat.

It was Novak’s second title on the clay court in Gstaad, following his triumph two years ago.

“I did my best and I am disappointed not to win,” said Federer, 21. “But after losing very quickly in the two finals I played in Basel, at least I went to five sets this time. Now I need a holiday and I am looking forward to next week.”

After his magnificent performance on grass in last Sunday’s Wimbledon final, it was understandable that Federer looked tired and, at times, careworn as he battled a fresher opponent on a clay surface at altitude.

“My first thought is for Roger,” said Novak. “He has done a fantastic job to play so well here after winning Wimbledon on grass. It is very difficult to do that. He has made a great effort.”

He added: “Gstaad is a special place for me now. It was a great match and I kept fighting right through. I was a little better and a little luckier in the end.”

Federer made a brisk start, serving with comprehensive precision and broke Novak in the sixth game. He led 5-2, but Novak broke back in the ninth and saved a break point in the 10th to make it 5-5. Although he was broken again to concede the set, it was a signal of what was to come.

Zabaleta Ends Five-Year Title Drought

In Bastad, Sweden, Argentine fifth seed Mariano Zabaleta won the second title of his career yesterday, beating Nicolas Lapentti 6- 3, 6-4 in the Swedish Open final. Zabaleta, who ousted top seed Carlos Moya in the semis, had waited five years for a title since his maiden success in Bogota. It was an emotional win for the 25-yearold who fell to his knees after clinching victory on his second match point. Zabaleta said beating Moya and Russian Mikhail Youzhny on his way to the final had boosted his confidence. “Moya is one of the best players in the world, so that very was important,” he said. “Youzhny was important too, because I was down 6-4, 4-2 but still won.”

Ecuador’s Lapentti, the former world number six, could not match Zabaleta’s dominant baseline play and was hindered by a sore calf muscle in the second set. Zabaleta broke him in the fourth game of the match and held serve to take the first set 6-3.