BUENOS AIRES, Argentina — David Nalbandian earned his eighth career title, rallying to defeat Jose Acasuso 3-6, 7-6 (5), 6-4 today at the Copa Telmex final.

"I'm very happy to win at home," said the 11th-ranked Nalbandian. "It's beautiful to pull off something I could never do before here."

Former Argentina soccer captain Diego Maradona was in the crowd at the Buenos Aires Lawn Tennis Club.

Acasuso won the first set by taking advantage of Nalbandian's errors on long rallies. The baseline play continued in the second set, but Nalbandian's serve improved and he broke for a 4-1 lead.

Acasuso broke back in the ninth game. Acasuso then saved two set points in the tiebreaker, but Nalbandian eventually forced the deciding set.

"I played some breaks badly and made mistakes," Nalbandian said. "But luckily I won the second set, and that was the key."

In the third, Acasuso double-faulted in the seventh game to give Nalbandian a 4-3 lead. Nalbandian then held serve the rest of the way for the win.