AN ATP MASTERS SERIES EVENT
13th - 21st OCTOBER
ATP News : 2008
FERRER WINS IN VALENCIA
Top seed and hometown favorite David Ferrer dethroned compatriot and two-time defending champion Nicolas Almagro 4-6, 6-2, 7-6(2) in the final of the Open de Tenis Comunidad Valenciana on Sunday
 www.atptennis.com In the first all-Spanish final in Valencia since 2004, Ferrer trailed 2-5 and 4-5 as Almagro served for the match twice in the third set. But Ferrer withstood 11 aces in total from Almagro to convert all four break point opportunities he was presented with in the encounter and claim victory in 2hr., 5mins. It was Ferrer’s fourth straight career victory over his younger countryman, and the second on clay. "Just like the match against Verdasco I was able come from behind and win," reflected Ferrer afterwards. "I didn't do anything special. I just gave it all. At 5-2 down in the third set I just stayed focused, fought really hard and I'm happy for having came through." He now joins Almagro as the only two Spanish champions on the ATP-circuit this season (with Granollers-Pujol to play in the Houston final later). Local resident Ferrer, who finished runner-up to Igor Andreev in 2005, becomes the fifth Spanish winner in Valencia in the past six years (except 2005). He joins Juan Carlos Ferrero, Fernando Verdasco and Nicolas Almagro. "I'm very happy for having won at my the title in Valencia, at my club, in front of my family and friends," said Ferrer. "It just feels incredible to have won at home!" |