Carlos Costa Stuns McEnroe to reach Barcelona Senior Final

Local favorite Carlos Costa spoiled John McEnroe’s impressive clay run by defeating the American 7-6(10), 1-6, 10-7 to advance to the final at the Barcelona Champions senior event.

In from of a jammed crowd over 6,700, reportedly the most for any single day in the tournament’s 54-year history, Costa and McEnroe offered plenty of excitement for the fans.

“There was a lot of energy out there, a lot of young kids coming in for the qualifying and it’s good to be around people that know tennis, people who get excited and where the crowds are into it,” McEnroe said.

In the final on Sunday, Costa, who also helps run the event, will meet friend and countryman Sergi Bruguera, a 6-3, 7-5 victor over Dutch boy Richard Krajicek.

The third-fourth place play-off will be between McEnroe and Krajicek.

Also on Saturday, Andres Gomez beat Javier Sanchez 4-6, 6-4, 10-8, while Mats Wilander overcame Martin Jaite 6-4, 6-3.