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Ferrer riding wave of best season yet


 

Originally published on: 15/07/12 00:00

The 30-year-old Spaniard picked up his 16th career title with a 6-2, 6-2 triumph over compatriot Nicolas Almagro at the Swedish Open.

“It has been the best season of my career,” said Ferrer. “I have never done this well and I am very happy for that. I work hard, I always fight every match and every year I try and improve on my game.”

It’s just the second time Ferrer has picked up three or more titles in a season, having won three – in Tokyo, Bastad and Auckland – in 2007.  His second title in Bastad – and his ninth career triumph on clay – also signifies his most successful year to date. The 30-year-old Spaniard has been a constant feature in the latter stages of tournaments this season, with the exception of a third round exit at Indian Wells. He’s also level with Roger Federer on five tournament wins this year, ahead of Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray.

Notably, Ferrer has improved his fortunes on grass, a surface on which he has rarely been considered a significant threat in the past, and will be in confident mood come the Olympic event on July 28. The Valencian won his second grass title in ‘s-Hertogenbosch in June and followed that by reaching his first quarter-final at Wimbledon, defeating Andy Roddick and Juan Martin del Potro along the way.

“I got some good results on the grass courts and now I have won here in Bastad,” he said. “Of course I have confidence. I will have two days of relaxing and then next week I will practice on grass.”

Ranked consistently inside the top 20 for seven years, Ferrer still lies 2,005 points behind Murray but isn’t distracted by thoughts of breaking the top four.

“I work to improve my game. I don’t work to be in the top four,” he said. “I work to be a better player and nothing else.

“I think the top four are amazing players, and they are better than everyone else at this moment. I don’t think about the top four, I think about me and the top 10.”

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Tim Farthing, Tennishead Editorial Director & Owner, has been a huge tennis fan his whole life. He's a tennis journalist and entrepreneur as well as playing tennis to a national standard. He also helps manage his local club and volunteers for his local tennis organisation. He's a specialist in content about the administration of professional tennis and tennis coaching for all levels.