David Nalbandian shocked Andre Agassi in the final of the Kooyong International on Saturday, denying the American a fourth title here in five years.
The Argentine was solid throughout his 6-2, 6-3 victory, never allowing Agassi to get a grip on the match and thoroughly deserving the win.
Three times in the last four years Agassi has lifted the cup in Kooyong and on each occasion he has gone on to win the Australian Open.
This time, the Open champion will begin the defence of his crown next week with a defeat blotting his 2004 record.
"Sorry, I couldn't give a better final," Agassi told the crowd. "I could only manage five games...it was a tough day that's for sure.
"There's no question I felt pretty good. There was nothing to complain about except my opponent.
"Give him the full credit for playing a great match. He did a lot of things really well," the American told reporters.
"He played well on the big points, he came up with some great shots. I found myself appreciating his shots quite a bit out there.
"Today is a good example of how hard it is to win out here...today I came off worse."
REAL BOOST
For Nalbandian, who beat world number one Andy Roddick here on Friday, the victory is a real boost ahead of next week's slam.
"Andre is a great player...I played really well today. Not every day you can beat an incredible, unbelievable player like this.
"Well, I think it was important to play these matches against these players...I am feeling very, very good at the moment and I hope to continue like this the next two weeks."
Agassi certainly rates the Argentine's chances.
"Movement is the biggest weapon in tennis and he moves really well," Agassi said. "He strikes the ball very cleanly with a lot of control.
"He counter-punches well and can do a lot with the ball. He has plenty of weapons to win.
"He has a great fighting heart and mind and that is going to be a problem for anybody.
"This might be his best surface. He is very versatile...he is a workman and is prepared to go out there in all conditions. I think he can beat anybody on this surface, no question."
But Agassi reflected on a solid week on the Rebound Ace hard court of Kooyong and said he was ready to hit the ground running on the same surface at Melbourne Park.
"I know that I've done my work and now it is time to play."
