Monaco makes final of Movistar, but suffers injury

Argentina's Juan Monaco groans with pain after sustaining an injury at the ATP Open in Vina del Mar, Chile, on Saturday. PHOTO: AFP

Third-seeded Juan Monaco beat Spain's Santiago Ventura 6-2, 6-4 on Saturday to reach the final of the Movistar Open, but was injured during the doubles final -- forcing him to retire and putting his singles title chances in doubt.

Umpire Carlos Bernardes said Monaco "sustained a serious left ankle injury that forced him to retire and it's now in doubt for the final match on Sunday."

Monaco's coach, Francisco Martelli, appeared pessimistic about the injury, suffered by Monaco when his left foot struck a referee's chair while trying to reach a ball.

"It looks pretty serious. I think it's unlikely" he will play on Sunday, Martelli said.

Monaco, a member of the Argentine team selected to play Britain in the first round of the Davis Cup next week, was to play either top-seeded Fernando Gonzalez of Chile or Pablo Cuevas of Uruguay, who were to play the second semi-final later on Saturday.

Monaco, who had to be carried off of the court, broke Ventura's serve twice to finish the second set.

Monaco was optimistic after his win over Ventura.

"This victory leaves me especially happy, because this was a very important tournament for me," Monaco said. "And, in addition, I can go home with two titles."