TennisToday

David Ferrer Thru to Quarterfinals at Wimbledon

Wimbledon - Men's Fourth Round

4 David Ferrer d Ivan Dodig - 67(3) 76(6) 61 61

One more match win and David will have been to the Sf's at all 4 Slams.

On top of that this is his 7th straight Slam Qf.

With Federer's loss David will move up to a career high of #3.

On Wednesday he will face 8 Juan Martin Del Potro - H2H: 6-2/Ferrer.

Post match: He's a very great player. It's going to be difficult.

I need to play my best tennis to beat Del Potro. And on a grass court

I think it is more difficult. He plays better than me on grass. Last year

I beat him, but I think I played my best match on a grass court.

***

I'd like him to get that Sf result (or better) on his resume.

Rafael Nadal Wins 8th French Open Title

French Open - Men's Final

4 Rafael Nadal d 5 David Ferrer - 63 62 63

8.

Rafa moves up to 3rd with Roy Emerson on the Slam list with 12.

Only Pete Sampras with 14 and Roger Federer with 17 are ahead of him.

He improved his French Open record to 59-1. A sick winning percentage.

Rafa also notched his 20th win over Ferrer and 4th of the 2013 season.

He is also the 1st man to qualify for the season ending tournament.

In a rankings quirk the win actually saw his ranking fall back to #5.

But he is firmly atop the Race to London rankings by a mile.

With 90 points to defend the rest of the year - lookout Nole...

Hi8tory: No man has ever won 8 titles at any one Slam before.

History: And no man has ever won a Slam 9 years running.

Post match: Eight times here is a lot. I never thought about that.

But I will keep practising with the same passion and intensity to bring

my tennis to the highest level possible.

***

Rafa has played 9 tournaments this year and made the finals of all 9.

He's won 7 of them making him the tour leader.

Next up is Wimbledon where he's won it twice: '08 & '10.

It's also the place where he lost early in '12 & left the tour with an injury.

This year plan on Rafa hitting Wimby with a hunger for a big points gobble.

David Ferrer Thru to Final at French Open

French Open - Men's Semifinal

5 David Ferrer d 6 Jo-Wilfried Tsonga - 61 76(3) 62

It took 11 years and 42 Slams for David to finally gain his 1st final.

And it's very well deserved.

He had come up empty in his last 5 semifinal attempts.

He takes a massive losing record against Rafa with him - H2H: 19-4/Rafa.

Post match: I'm very, very happy. This tournament is very special for me

and to be the first final of Grand Slam in Roland Garros is amazing.

Now I want to enjoy this moment, to rest tomorrow,

and to try my best in the final.

I know he's the favourite, but I am going to be focused every point.

I will try to do my best.

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga Upsets Roger Federer in Quarterfinals of the French Open

French Open - Men's Quarterfinals

6 Jo-WIlfried Tsonga d 2 Roger Federer - 75 63 63

I'm not sure I want to call this an upset.

I think most hardcore tennis fans kind of saw this one coming.

I know I did.

If Jo-W can win his Sf he'll be the 1st Frenchman into the final in 25 years.

He'll have a tough one against David Ferrer who has a 2-1 lead on Jo-W.

So yea, no pressure there!

Post match: Everybody's been expecting a lot from me since the beginning

of this tournament. Not only this tournament, but every day.

So I'm used to it. Now what is important, is to stay focused, to think about

my next match. Because it will be extremely tough against a player who

didn't lose a single set and won with a very striking score in the Qf's.

David Ferrer Thru to Semifinals at the French Open

French Open - Men's Quarterfinal

4 David Ferrer d 32 Tommy Robredo - 62 61 61

Well. This was a no brainer. Poor Tommy must've been extremely pooped.

This is David's 3rd straight Slam Sf and 6th over all. He is 0-5.

Boy, if ever he had a shot at a final - this would be it.

And if that weren't enough - he is the only man not to drop a set.

David next faces Jo-Willy in the Sf's and has a 2-1 H2H against him.

Post match: I think it's quite normal [that] the crowd is going to be

supporting Jo. He's French and I am very happy he's made it that far.

I'll do everything I can to make it to the final. I have to remain focused.

Tommy Robredo Continues His Improbable Run into the Quarterfinals at French Open

French Open - Men's Fourth Round

32 Tommy Robredo d 11 Nicolas Almagro - 67(5) 36 64 64 64

Tommy has sooooooooooo earned those tears of joy.

I mean. How on earth is he into the quarters?

This was his 3rd straight match coming back from 2 set to none.

The last man to win 3 straight 0-2's was Cochet at Wimby back in 1927.

And this is a guy that started the season outside the top 100.

And if that weren't enought - he's over 30.

I did say improbable, didn't I. Beret's off to you Tommy.

This is Tommy's 4th trip to the RG quarters: 0-3.

Post match: I think that being in the quarter-finals again, it's amazing,

and also with three comebacks the way I did. I just need to enjoy it

because I think that in tennis, we need to enjoy it when we do great

things and keep focused. Because if it's possible, why not? [I could be]

one time in the semi-finals here.

***

Who has the nerve to doubt him now?

But Tommy faces a tall test next against Ferrer - H2H: 6-2/Ferrer.

But didn't we all say that about his match today?

Exactly.

Rafael Nadal Dips Deep to Reach Rome Semifinals

Rome Masters Series 1000 - Men's Quarterfinal

5 Rafael Nadal d 4 David Ferrer - 64 46 62

That photo says one thing and one thing only: RELIEF.

Rafa'll play his 8th Sf at Rome: 7-0. In fact he's only had 2 losses at Rome.

If memory serves I think a commentator said Rafa's never lost a Sf on clay.

Today's win moves him to #1 on the Race to London rankings.

That's stunning considering he didn't play the Australian Open.

Spare a thought for Ferrer - the guy has suffered 3 losses to Rafa this year.

And these last 2 were oh-so close. And to add insult-to-injury...

A title at Rome will move Rafa ahead of David to #4 in the rankings.

Seriously, who saw any of this coming?

Rafael Nadal Digs Deep to Gain Semifinals at Madrid

Madrid Masters Series 1000 - Men's Quarterfinal

5 Rafael Nadal d 4 David Ferrer - 46 76(3) 60

Boy this one is gonna sting Ferrer for a while. He so had this one.

But Rafa just refused to lose. And once he got into the 3rd set: lights out.

After the win he helped celebrate Spanish legend Manolo Santana's bday.

Post match: To win matches like today is always important.

For me physically these matches help me [as] these are the kind of

matches that ask the most of you physically. I think I played well.

I had some highs and lows. Some moments I played aggressively.

Stanislas Wawrinka Wins Portugal Open

Portugal Open ATP 250 - Men's Final

2 Stanislas Wawrinka d 1/WC David Ferrer - 61 64

Let's hear it for Stan the Man!

This is only his 4th ATP title and 1st in over 3 years.

Post match: It feels great to have won a title again,

as it was one of my goals at the start of the year.

***

Both boys will now head to the Madrid/Rome double.

They may be tired for deep runs next week so...

Good luck in Rome guys.

David Ferrer Wins in 3 Sets in 2nd Round at Portugal Open

Portugal Open ATP 250 - 2nd Round

1/WC David Ferrer d Edouard Roger-Vasselin - 64 46 63

I dunno know... I hate when top players play the week before big tournies.

We are headed to Madrid-Rome back-to-back starting next week...

A deep run here (as he should) will most likely hurt his chances at M-R.

I get that he's trying to protect his #4 ranking... But at what cost?

Anyway, I'm glad he's in Portugal for the wind-surfing photos!

Qualifier Dmitry Tursunov Stuns Top Seed David Ferrer in 2nd Round at Barcelona

Barcelona ATP 500 - Men's Second Round

Q Dmitry Tursunov d 1 David Ferrer - 75 36 61

That old dog nicknamed Dima still has a few tricls up his sleeve.

Quite impressive as Ferrer entered as the runner-up the last 2 years.

Currently ranked #66 he'll get a nifty little boost up on Monday.

Post match: It wasn't Ferrer's best match. He didn't play his best tennis.

He had the advantage over me because he's been playing on clay.

But I played very quickly and I didn't make it easy for him.

Ferrer was the favourite based on surface and ranking.

It was a match where there were a lot of opportunities for both players.

He gets Bellucci next so maybe one more upset is in the offing?

David Ferrer Celebrates 31st Birthday Today

World #4 posted this pic with the folks on various social media accounts.

David is 31 today and zero signs of slowing down.

Nice to see that smile after squandering match point in that Miami final.

Methinks we'll be seeing way more of that smile during the clay season.

Perhaps even a 2nd Master 1000 title is in the offing.

That wouldn't upset me. At all.

Andy Murray Wins Epic Match to Earn 2nd Miami Title

ATP Masters Series 1000 Miami - Men's Final

2 Andy Murray d 3 David Ferrer - 26 64 76(1)

Meet the new world #2. He's been there before, briefly...

This time around he'll be there quite a lot longer.

This is Andy's 9th Masters title and 2nd at Miami: '09.

Spare a thought for Ferrer - poor guy had a match point up 6-5.

Anyway, many are calling this a great match - it wasn't.

It was just a long match with neither of them playing well in the 3rd.

Andy agreed post match: I think it was an exciting match.

I don't think either of us played our best tennis.

There was a lot of breaks and ups and downs, [and] quite a lot of

mistakes from both of us. But what I did do was fight hard,

showed good mental strength to get through that match,

because it easily could have slipped away from me.

Yum, yeah. If by exciting you mean frustrating.

 

Andy Murray & David Ferrer to Play for Title at Miami

ATP Masters Series 1000 Miami - Men's Semifinals

2 Andy Murray d 8 Richard Gasquet - 67(3) 61 62

3 David Ferrer d 15 Tommy Haas - 46 62 63

Those were a couple of fun come-from-behind victories.

Much better matches than the women's Sf's - if we're being honest.

Andy is playing for his 9th Masters title and 2nd at Miami.

Between '08-'11 Andy won 2 Masters titles a year. But none last year.

Although he did manage 2 much bigger titles: the Olympics & US Open.

As for David, he's playing for his 2nd Masters title.

Remember he won his 1st at the final Masters of 2012 at Paris.

He's over 30 and playing the best tennis of his career.

Andy & David are nearly even in their 11 matches - H2H: 6-5/Murray.

They split their 2 encounters last year.

On hard courts tho it's a different story - 5-1/Murray.

I think this will be a very close and entertaining match. Alarm set.

David Ferrer Thru to Quarterfinals at Miami

ATP Masters Series 1000 Miami - Men's 4th Round

3 David Ferrer d 13 Kei Nishikori - 64 62

Remember back in olden times when 30 was old in tennis?

David will be 31 next week and he's playing like he's in his early 20's.

I'm liking this longevity thing happening in tennis.

I mean, the 'old guy' completely dismantled his young foe today.

This is David's 3rd straight Miami Qf - he's lost the last 2 years.

But he has been a Sf-ist here twice before: '05 & '06.

And with Roger and Rafa not playing he should make it 3 Sf's.

He will next play the Juergen Melzer - H2H: 6-2/Ferrer.

A battle of over-30 year olds. Get use to it y'all.

***

Photo: David and girlfriend at the Miami players party.

David Ferrer & Feliciano Lopez Go Horseback Riding in the Coachella Valley

Both Spaniards lost their first matches at Indian Wells.

Horsebacking in the desert is a fair way to relieve those disappointments.

Next up for both of them is the Masters 1000 at Miami.

Never fear guys... Spain is being well repped at Indian Wells.

His name is Rafa.

Rafael Nadal Triumphant at Acapulco

ATP 500 Acapulco - Men's Final

2 Rafael Nadal d 1 David Ferrer - 60 62

Um. I think it's safe to the 'King of Clay' is back. Way back.

The Golden Swing was kind to him and his comeback after 7 months away.

He leaves Latin America having played 3 finals - winning 2 titles.

He will head to Indian Wells as the 5th seed...

Someone is gonna be hating the quarter he falls in to, natch.

This represents Rafa's 52nd ATP title and 38th on his beloved clay.

Post match: This was a great week for me and today I played

exceptionally well, I dominated the game against the world No. 4 and

couldn't be happier, especially when I think where I am coming from.

Perhaps the conditions were in my favour but I feel it was maybe

one of the best matches of my career.

Mmmm, I don't know about that. But I'll give it to him.

David Ferrer Wins ATP Title at Buenos Aires

ATP 250 Buenos Aires - Men's Final

1 David Ferrer d 3 Stanislas Wawrinka - 64 36 61

With the title Daveeeeed enters the 20's in ATP titles.

He has successfully defended the 1st 2 of his 7 titles from last season.

He now heads to Acapulco as the 3-time defending champion.

This will be interesting as Rafa is in Mexico to challenge.

Post match: I am very happy for this title.

I cannot describe it with other words. It’s very hard to win

back-to-back titles, and this tournament in Buenos Aires is always very tough.

I am very proud.

I am sooooo hoping for a David/Rafa final on Sunday.

Novak Djokovic Thru to 4th Final at Australian Open

Australian Open - Men's Semifinal

1 Novak Djokovic d 4 David Ferrer - 62 62 61

I am a big Ferrer fan and I knew this wasn't going to be much of a match.

But props to David - he will be rewarded with the #4 ranking on Monday.

Novak reaches his 4th Aussie final - a round he's never lost: '08, '11-'12.

He is going for a rare hat-trick.

This is also his 10th Slam final: 5-4.

He'll play the winner of the Federer/Murray match being played tonight.

Either way... I picked Nole to win 2 weeks ago and I'm sticking with him.

Post match: It's going to be a great match, obviously.

They're great rivals and also the best players in the world at this moment.

They will definitely perform their best for sure in semi-finals.

I wouldn't rate anybody as a favourite.

Just considering myself, I'll be ready for whomever I play against.

Right.

David Ferrer Wins 5 Set Thriller to Gain Semifinals at Australian Open

Australian Open - Men's Quarterfinal

4 David Ferrer d 10 Nicolas Almagro - 46 46 75 76(4) 62

Nico. Nico. Nico. He had three chances to serve this thing out.

Someone is going to not sleep well for a long time.

This is David's 2nd Aussie Sf and 5 at a Slam - he's never won one.

Post match: I try to fight every point, every game.

“I know all the players, in important moments, we are nervous.

I know that. Today I was close to lost, sure. But finally I come back, no?

About playing Novak Djokovic in the Sf's:

Novak, I think now he's recovery, sure, because his physic is unbelievable.

He's the best, I think. You know, every day is different:

the weather, the conditions.

I don't know what is going to be tonight with Tomas Berdych,

but I hope it will be a long match.

It's so hard not to like this cool cat.