TENNIS ROUNDUP : Martinez Hacks Away, Wins Houston Title

Third-seeded Conchita Martinez of Spain used a strong forehand to defeat Germany’s Sabine Hack, 6-3, 6-2, to win the Virginia Slims of Houston.

Martinez trailed, 3-1, in the first set before her forehand strokes started finding their mark. She held serve for the remainder of the match and broke Hack’s serve four times the rest of the way. She had 18 winners, including 15 forehands.

“My forehand is my best shot,” Martinez said. “That’s why I always try to use it every chance I get.”

She kept Hack on the move with an assortment of shots.

“Conchita played very well. She kept me running all over the court and didn’t miss many shots after the first few games,” said Hack, who said she was tired after a 3-hour 12-minute semifinal Saturday night against Jana Novotna.

“I was a little impatient because I was a bit tired, both physically and mentally, but I don’t think it would have made a difference in the outcome of the match today.”

Hack lost the second set in 39 minutes.

The title was Martinez’s second of the year. She has won 19 of her last 22 matches.

“I’m playing with a lot of confidence,” she said. “Hopefully it will stay with me the rest of the year.”

David Wheaton defeated Australia’s Wally Masur, 6-4, 7-5, to give the United States its only victory in a first-round Davis Cup setback.

“I was disappointed at the American team that was sent down,” Australia captain Neale Fraser said Sunday after his team completed a 4-1 victory at Melbourne. “I think the competition deserves better.”