Davis Cup Day 3 Review: Spain and Russia Make Quarterfinals

With three teams advancing to the quarterfinals of the 2010 Davis Cup World Group on Saturday, the remaining five ties (excluding the Chile-Israel tie, who will play their doubles rubber today due to a late start) would highlight Sunday’s reverse singles action.

Let’s now take a look at Sunday’s singles action.

Spain vs. Switzerland: Spain wins 3-1

Spaniard David Ferrer propelled his defending championship squad into a meeting with France in the quarterfinals after dismantling Stanislas Wawrinka 6-2, 6-4, 6-0 in two hours, 34 minutes Sunday.

Winning his seventh consecutive match, Ferrer was utterly brilliant in dispatching his formidable Swiss foe. Using his consistent two-handed backhand to move Wawrinka around the court, Ferrer struck 17 winners while winning 74 percent of his first serve points.

Breaking Wawrinka’s serve on seven of 15 occasions, Ferrer went on a rout in the third set after serving out the second set.

Improving to 13-3 in Davis Cup singles competition, Ferrer remains a perfect 9-0 when matches are contested on clay.

The scrappy Spaniard will now travel to Indian Wells, California to participate in the year’s first Masters 1000 event next week.

Nicolas Almagro, who lost to Wawrinka on Friday in the ties first match, will face Marco Chiudinelli in a meaningless fifth “dead” rubber.

The quarterfinal tie between Spain and France will take place July 9-11.

Russia vs. India: Russia wins 3-2

A day after losing the doubles rubber and a point to India, Mikhail Youzhny defeated Somdev Devvarman to boost Russia into the quarterfinal stage of this year’s world group, and a date with either Sweden or Argentina.

Youzhny, who is enjoying some the best form of his veteran career over the past six months, was efficient is dismissing Devvarman 6-2, 6-1, 6-3.

“I had to play a bit more aggressively than usual, as it’s tough to play against a guy who doesn’t miss anything,” said Youzhny. “Before the match I knew it could be a dangerous encounter because if he played his best tennis it could be very tough.”

Winning 80 percent of his first serve points, Youznhy struck 49 winners while breaking serve on six of 11 occasions. Devvarman squandered both of his break point opportunities (both in the third set), to fall to 4-5 in Davis Cup singles competition.

“I tried my heart out for every single point, and it’s just frustrating when the guy’s playing so well. I felt like I had a couple of semi chances, but I thought I made some bad decisions and I think that’s what’s frustrating,” said Devvarman.

Rohan Bopanna won the fifth and meaningless rubber against Teimuraz Gabasvili 7-6 (5), 6-4.

The results from the remaining three ties will be posted shortly.

Quotes courtesy of daviscup.com.

Spain Ends Day 1 Even with Switzerland in Davis Cup Competition

Spain vs. Switzerland

Recent Acapulco, Mexico champion David Ferrer defeated Marco Chiudinelli 6-2, 7-6 (5), 6-1 to even Friday’s Davis Cup first-round action with Switzerland.

Ferrer, who survived a 4-2 deficit in the second set, dominated the third set over his dejected opponent. Using his consistent blend of clay-court tennis, Ferrer improved to 12-3 in Davis Cup singles competition, and 9-0 when matches are played on clay.

Ferrer’s victory was vital for the defending champions considering Nicolas Almagro’s defeat to Stanislas Wawrinka, 3-6, 6-4, 3-6, 7-5, 6-3 earlier in the day.

In the absence of Roger Federer, Wawrinka made his Swiss team proud by defeating a top tier clay-court player in Almagro.

The match, which lasted one minute shy of four hours, featured 10 aces for Wawrinka, and 80 percent of his first serve points won. Improving to 11-7 in Davis Cup singles competition, Wawrinka struck 72 winners and 68 unforced errors.

Almagro, who took the place of an injured Juan Carlos Ferrero, was disgusted by his performance and stormed off the court after his loss.

Saturday’s doubles rubber will feature Marcel Granollers and Tommy Robredo vs. Yves Allegro and Wawrinka.

Player of the Month for February 2010: Juan Carlos Ferrero

Seemingly far removed from the best days of his career, an eager and determined Juan Carlos Ferrero poured in a devastatingly consistent month in February to capture Player of the Month honors.

Recording an envious 14-1 record throughout the second month of the season, Ferrero won back-to-back titles in Brazil and Argentina, while advancing to the finals of the 500 point event in Acapulco, Mexico before losing to scrappy countryman David Ferrer.

In total, the month of February brought Ferrero $262,600 in prize money, and 800 ATP World Tour points. The 30-year-old also improved his ranking position seven spots in February, jumping from No. 21 in the world to his current spot of No. 14. With a return to the top 10 in his sights, a confident Ferrero will look to raise the stakes at the upcoming Indian Wells and Miami events which will take place States side. Having not played either Indian Wells or Miami last year, the opportunity for Ferrero to increase his ranking is ever present. (The last time Ferrero saw top 10 status was in August of 2004).

To me, the most impressive attribute of Ferrero’s recent success was highlighted by the belief that he can still win Tour events. Having a lull of nearly six years between Tour titles, Ferrero snapped the forgettable streak last year in Casablanca, but remained modest in his results for the remainder of the season by reaching the quarterfinals of Wimbledon (l. Andy Murrray), and advancing the final 16 at the U.S. Open (l. Juan Martin del Potro).

The springboard was inevitably set for Ferrero to succeed this season, with his experience and consistent level of play throughout the second half of last year helping him to gain momentum. Working diligently through the offseason with his longtime coach Antonio Martinez, and his secondary coach Samuel Lopez, Ferrero knew that in order to stay on par with today’s generation of hard-hitting, younger, and stronger players, his game, and more importantly his fitness, would have to be paramount.

Although Ferrero injured his knee during his finals loss to Ferrer in Mexico—the injury, to me anyway, was a preventative measure to ensure his withdrawal from this weekend’s Davis Cup first-round tie against Switzerland. Allowing his body to rest after a grueling month of South American tennis will ultimately allow Ferrero to head over to Indian Wells early, and fine-tune his hard-court game for the month of March.

Ferrero will unquestionably have a difficult time in reaching the top 10 this season, simply because the current crop of top 10 players is younger and consistently posting enough quality results that they can sustain their position.

However, the X-factor that Ferrero will have on his side for the remainder of the season, and his career for that matter, is his love for the sport.

Growing up in Onteniente, Spain, Ferrero would spend hours upon hours improving his court craft, even after his training on-court was completed. Ferrero was so adamant on reaching his goal as a professional player that his father Eduardo would oftentimes catch his son hitting against the inside of the garage of their home while aiming to defeat his fierce rival the “light socket.”

Ferrero’s theory on hitting against the light socket was driven from the precise nature one would have to acquire in order to hit such a small area on the wall. Ferrero would also take his “garage training” one step further by imaging that every time he hit the light socket a victory over Andre Agassi, Pete Sampras, or Boris Becker had taken place.

Clearly, the love for the game was ever present in Ferrero’s youth, and that same passion for the sport runs deep today.

Owing a junior academy in Villena, Spain, Ferrero readily spends his off Tour training helping to develop new Spanish talent, while squeezing in his own court time.

Battling an 0-2 start to begin the season, Ferrero is now a realistic pick to triumph at Roland Garros this spring. Winning his maiden Slam in Paris in 2003, Ferrero also made the finals in 2002 before losing to current Davis Cup captain Albert Costa in four sets.

All in all, it’s great to see Ferrero enjoying the fruits of his labor, while challenging the new charge on the ATP World Tour.

Other notable contenders for Player of the Month honors included:

Novak Djokovic: The recent world No. 2 defended the first title of his career in Dubai, while displaying his grit and determination in winning four straight three-set matches en route.

David Ferrer: The never-say-die Spaniard also had a glorious month in February which included making the semifinals in Johannesburg, South Africa, the finals in Buenos Aires, and winning his eighth career title in Acapulco. Ferrer, who has always endured a crisis of self belief, preserved through his self doubt to record a splendid 12-2 record in February.

Marin Cilic: Leading the Tour with a 17-2 record, Cilic banked his second title of the season in Zagreb, Croatia, while raising his ranking to a career high of No. 9 in the world. Continuing his sensational run from Australia, Cilic will continue to be a mighty force on Tour for the remainder of the season.

Day 7 Review: Djokovic Defends Dubai; Ferrer Captures Acapulco Title; Gulbis Wins Maiden Tour Event in Delray Beach

Barclays Dubai Tennis Championships–U.A.E.

Holding a significant lead while heading into Sunday’s resumption of the Barclays Dubai Tennis Championships, No. 2 seed Novak Djokovic liked his chances of success.

Having won the first set over No. 7 seed Mikhail Youzhny, Djokovic had a service break in hand before heavy rain ended Saturday’s action.

However, the resumption of Sunday’s final meant Djokovic would have to play his fourth consecutive three-set match. The Serb’s 7-5, 2-0 lead would soon evaporate, courtesy of a Youzhny serve break during the fifth game of the set.

Djokovic would steer ahead once again to hold an opportunity for a 5-3 lead, but over-hit a routine forehand and squandered his opportunity of putting the Russian away. Youzhny required a second chance at forcing a third set, after failing to capture the set at 5-4. Not making the same mistake the second time around, the 28-year-old Russian broke Djokovic in the 12th game.

Fighting off early adversity by Youzhny in the seventh game of the third set, Djokovic saved two break points and 15-40, 3-3 to go ahead 4-3.

Pulling ahead at 5-3, Djokovic would seal victory with a final break of serve.

Defending the first title of his professional career, Djokovic acknowledged the many variables that went into his success in Dubai.

“It means the whole world to me. Of course there are always people who are saying he can’t do it. He can’t do it. But I’m playing for myself, and this is another success in my career that I wasn’t able to make in the last two years. But now, finally, I did it, and it’s a big relief. So in the future I just hope I’ll make a couple more of those.

“It’s a big boost because I believe in myself. Even when I play bad, I know I have the abilities… Today was another good example of how much I believe in myself and how much I fight till the end.”

Pocketing $383,000 in prize money and 500 ATP World Tour points, Djokoivc will remain over 3000 points behind No. 1 ranked Roger Federer in the rankings.

Djokovic joked with the media about his inability to close out his competition in straight sets—having gone three sets in his last four matches.

“Obviously this tournament I don’t allow myself to win in straight sets except the first round. Even when I can finish the job in two sets, I still want to play. Thinking about people who bought tickets and want to stay a bit longer (laughing).

“But, generally, it took a lot of energy for me. Stopping and playing, and coming back and then again stopping the match last night because of the rain. As I was saying, if we continued last night, I think I had much better chances to get the job done in two sets. I felt really well on the court, hitting the ball, feeling relaxed. Today I was really nervous before the match, during the match for no reason. [But] winning the tournament in any way, it’s a huge success.”

Youzhny, who fell to 10-3 on the season, took home $180,000 for his efforts, and 300 ATP World Tour points.

“Before the tournament if you say you’ll play the final, you say good result. But now straight after the final, when you have some chances [I am disappointed]… It was good match for me.  It was a good level of tennis. I’m disappointed because I lost, but I’m happy because it was a good level of game.

“It was a very close set. Today I understand I have to try to play aggressive, maybe more aggressive than normal if I want to continue, if I want to save this match.”

Both Djokovic and Youznhy will now head to their respective Davis Cup venues to prepare for next week’s first-round ties.

Djokovic will lead his team against the Americans in Belgrade, while Youzhny and his Russian teammates will host India in Moscow.

Abierto Mexicano Telcel–Acapulco, Mexico

Scrappy Spaniard David Ferrer won his eighth career title on Saturday in Acapulco, Mexico, defeating countryman Juan Carlos Ferrero 6-3, 3-6, 6-1.

Losing to Ferrero last week in the Buenos Aires final, Ferrer improved to 6-2 against his good friend in career head-to-head meetings.

Ferrero, who was riding a 14-match winning streak, showed visible signs of fatigue while attempting to win his third straight Tour title.

Converting on all three of his break-point chances, Ferrer won 83 percent of his first serve points while striking two aces.

Improving to 13-4 on the season, Ferrer captured 500 ATP World Tour points for his victory, and $227,000 in prize money.

The usually consistent Ferrer admitted that his ability to go for his shots throughout the one hour and 47 minute match made the difference.

“I was more aggressive, hitting harder,” Ferrer said. “It was the other way around in Buenos Aires.”

Ferrer and Ferrero will now head back to Spain to prepare for the nation’s first-round Davis Cup tie against Switzerland next Friday. The Spanish pair were chosen as singles players for the tie by captain Albert Costa.

Delray Beach Tennis Championships–Flordia

Unseeded Latvian Ernests Gulbis won his first career singles title in Delray Beach on Sunday, defeating ace machine Ivo Karlovic 6-3, 6-2.

Breaking Karlovic’s serve on four and nine occasions, Gulbis survived 14 aces, while striking six aces of his own.

“I’m never impressed with statistics,” said Gulbis, who also reached the Memphis semifinals last week. “I’m impressed I won the title. So I didn’t lose a set, I don’t see that as a big accomplishment.

“I think winning a title is a big accomplishment.”

Winning 79 percent of his first serve points, Gulbis allowed Karlovic a mere 27 percent of his second serve points won.

Needing 80-minutes to win the title, Gulbis told reporters that his win was in honor of his country.

“Everything I do it’s the first for my country,” Gulbis said. “I was first one in top 300, first one in top 200, first one in top 100.”

Ousting the No. 2 seed in routine fashion, Gulbis will move inside the top 50 when the new rankings are released on Monday. The 21-year-old is currently ranked No. 72 in the world.

Losing his first final of the year, Karlovic failed to win his fifth career title on his 31st birthday.

“He was really cool, calm, like nothing could impress him,” said Karlovic. “This year he’s going to make a breakthrough.”

Karlovic had defeated defending champion Mardy Fish in the semifinals and two-time finalist James Blake in the quarterfinals.

Quotes courtesy of Associated Press, and atpworldtour.com.

Ferrer Wins Acapulco Title Over In-Form Ferrero

Scrappy Spaniard David Ferrer won his eighth career title on Saturday in Acapulco, Mexico, defeating countryman Juan Carlos Ferrero 6-3, 3-6, 6-1.

Losing to Ferrero last week in the Buenos Aires final, Ferrer improved to 6-2 against his good friend in career head-to-head meetings.

Ferrero, who was riding a 14-match winning streak, showed visible signs of fatigue while attempting to win his third straight Tour title.

Converting on all three of his break-point chances, Ferrer won 83 percent of his first serve points while striking two aces.

Improving to 13-4 on the season, Ferrer captured 500 ATP World Tour points for his victory, and $227,000 in prize money.

The usually consistent Ferrer admitted that his ability to go for his shots throughout the one hour and 47 minute match made the difference.

“I was more aggressive, hitting harder,” Ferrer said. “It was the other way around in Buenos Aires.”

Ferrer and Ferrero will now head back to Spain to prepare for the nation’s first-round Davis Cup tie against Switzerland next Friday. The Spanish pair were chosen as singles players for the tie by captain Albert Costa.

Quote courtesy of Associated Press.

Day 6 Preview: Ferrero and Ferrer Battle Again in Acapulco; Fish Faces Karlovic for a Place in Delray Beach Final

Abierto Mexicano Telcel—Acapulco, Mexico

Riding a 14-match winning streak, Spaniard Juan Carlos Ferrero will battle countryman and good friend David Ferrer for the Abierto Mexicano Telcel title on Saturday.

Defeating Ferrer six days ago in the Buenos Aires final, Ferrero captured the 14th title of his career after prevailing in Brazil the week before.

Using his clay-court artistry to full effect on Friday, Ferrero battled back from a 4-1 deficit to defeat Argentine Juan Monaco 7-5, retire.

Monaco, who was enjoying sublime form up until he sustained an abdominal strain during the sixth game of the set, knew that the injury would worsen with continued play.

“I felt something on a serve early in the match,” said Monaco. “At 4-2 we played a long game on my serve and I started feeling worse and worse. The trainer came on-court and said I had a small muscle strain and that I could try a little longer but the pain wouldn’t get much better.

“It’s very unfortunate because I was playing very well and had the lead in the first set. Obviously there was a lot of tennis to be played but I felt I had the chance to win today. I leave Acapulco sad about this injury but I hope I can recover fast and get back to playing tournaments.”

Reaching his third straight final for the second time in his career, Ferrero previously won the titles in Barcelona and Roma in 2001, before losing to countryman Albert Portas in the finals of the Hamburg Masters 1000 in five sets.

Ferrero’s glorious run during the 2001 season saw the former No. 1 win 16-straight matches.

Ferrero, who is currently ranked No. 16 in the world, commented on his recent great form.

“I’m happy with my run in the Latin American swing,” Ferrero added. “I know it will get each time more difficult to keep this streak alive but I’m confident and my body is holding well.”

Ferrer, who is also riding a consistent level of play after reaching his second consecutive final, battled past the inconsistent but powerful efforts of No. 2 seed Fernando Gonzalez 6-7(4), 6-0, 6-4.

After falling behind one set to love, Ferrer’s elevated play, coupled by an inconspicuous drop in Gonzalez’s form, led to a decisive third set.

Capturing an early break of serve at 2-1, Ferrer continued to hold his serve before serving out the match at 5-4. Winning his 12th match of the year in two hours and 16 minutes, Ferrer will be bidding for his eighth career title on Saturday.

“It was an intense match,” said Ferrer. “In the second set he gave me many free points and put me back into the match. To my credit I kept fighting for every point because that’s my game.”

Although Ferrer lost his most recent encounter against Ferrero, the 27-year-old Valencia resident remains in firm control of the pair’s head-to-head meetings with a 5-2 lead.

“Tomorrow should be another very good match,” Ferrer said of the final against Ferrero. “I’m very good friends with Juan Carlos. We know each other’s game very well so it will be a matter of who can be tougher mentally and physically.”

The final is set to take place at 10pm ET at the Fairmont Acapulco Princess.

Delray Beach International Tennis Championships—Florida

In a battle of prolific servers, Mardy Fish and Ivo Karlovic will light up the Delray Beach skyline during their semifinal clash in Florida on Saturday evening.

Defeating Jeremy Chardy and James Blake on Friday, Fish and Karlovic will contest their sixth career match in Florida.

Despite trailing Karlovic 4-1 in head-to-head meetings, Fish was victorious during the pair’s last encounter on the hard-courts of New Haven in 2007.

Having dealt with an aggravated knee injury since the offseason, Fish prevailed in workmanlike fashion during his 6-4, 6-3 victory over Chardy.

Needing one hour and six minutes to defeat the Frenchman, Fish struck five aces while winning 74 percent of his first serve points.

Defeating Evgeny Korolev for his Delray Beach title last year, Fish improved to 6-4 on the season with his semifinal win.

Karlovic’s potent serve remained the talk of his semifinal triumph over No. 7 seed James Blake. The second-seeded Croatian pounded 23 aces during the one hour and 41 minute match, which ended with a score-line of 6-3, 6-7 (2), 6-1.

Improving to 12-4 on the year, Karlovic told reporters that his early break conversion against Blake during the opening stages of the third set was crucial to his victory.

“When I broke him at the beginning of the third set that was really a turning point because after that I knew I was in a good position and I just had to continue with my serve,” said Karlovic. “Of course you always want more, but already it’s very good week but hopefully I’m going to continue.”

Karlovic will be aiming to capture the fifth title of his career this week, while Fish, who not only needs to defend his title in order to sustain his world ranking of No. 73, will remain in pursuit of his fourth career title.

The day’s first semifinal will feature Ernests Gulbis vs. Jarrko Nieminen of Finland.

Gulbis, who defeated Leonardo Mayer 7-6(2), 6-4, recorded his second semifinal appearance in as many weeks. The 21-year-old Latvian reached the final four in Memphis last week.

Having recently fallen out of the top 100, Neiminen recorded his sixth match victory of the season by ousting No. 3 seed Benjamin Becker 7-5, 3-6, 7-6 (5) in two hours and 15 minutes.

Gulbis leads the pair’s head-to-head meetings at 1-0, defeating Nieminen during the 2008 Cincinnati Masters 1000.

Look for a recap of all the day’s action when the matches are completed. For up to the second scoring click the TennisConnected live-score section located on the top menu. Talk soon.

Quotes courtesy of atpworldtour.com.

Day 5 Review: Youzhny Reaches Dubai Final; Ferrero Stays Hot in Acapulco; Fish and Blake Remain in Delray Beach Contention

Barclays Dubai Tennis Championships—U.A.E.

No. 7 seed Mikhail Youzhny advanced to his second career final in Dubai on Friday after defeating Jurgen Melzer 7-5, 7-6 (4) during semifinal action.

Reaching the finals in Rotterdam earlier in February, Youzhny reached his 14th career final in two hours and 13 minutes.

Improving to 4-2 in career head-to-head meetings against Melzer, Youzhny struck seven aces while winning 84 percent of his first serve points.

Taking advantage of his opportunities, Youzhny converted on the only break of serve by either player during the 11th game of the first set. The Russian also gained a crucial mini-break lead during the sixth point of the second set tiebreak to seal his 10th win of the season.

Trying to become the first Russian to capture the Dubai Tennis Championships in its 18 year history, Youzhny told reporters that he was pleased with the support he had received all week.

“A lot of Russians come to watch the matches, and actually I enjoy [playing],” said Youzhny. “It was a tough match. It was really close for both players. I think Jurgen played really well today.  He was aggressive. He won a lot of good points. So for me it was really tough.”

Youzhny’s run to the finals this week will be highlighted by his first-round victory against Lucas Lacko. Trailing by a set and 5-4 Lacko serving, Youzhny broke the young Slovak and breezed through the rest of the match.

Playing superb tennis in the past six months, Youzhny has reached five Tour finals since October.

Working ever-so-hard to improve on his current ranking of No. 15 in the world, Youzhny summarized his win over Melzer.

“It was a tough match. It was really close,” Youzhny said. “I think Jurgen played really well today. He was aggressive. He won a lot of good points, so for me it was really tough.”

Melzer, who was bidding to become the first Austrian player to reach the finals since Thomas Muster won the event in 1997, fell to 10-6 on the year.

Youzhny will next face either No. 2 seed and defending champion Novak Djokovic or Marcos Baghdatis in Saturday’s final.

Abierto Mexicano Telcel—Acapulco, Mexico

Continuing his devastating form on Tour, Spaniard Juan Carlos Ferrero will attempt to win his 14th straight match in Acapulco against Argentine Juan Monaco on Friday.

Defeating two-time defending champion Nicolas Almagro 6-1, 5-7, 6-2 on Thursday evening, Ferrero added to his recent brilliance on the circuit which has seen the former world No. 1 win back-to-back titles in Brazil and Argentina.

Dismissing Monaco in the semifinals of last week’s Argentina event, Ferrero will be throughly tested in duplicating the feat in Mexico.

Monaco, who defeated top seed Fernando Verdasco in the quarterfinals, has enjoyed a successful run on the red clay in February, which has included a finals run in Santiago, Chile.

Nevertheless, a great clay-court challenge for both players.

The day’s second semifinal will feature No. 2 seed Fernando Gonzalez taking on No. 3 seed David Ferrer.

Defeating unseeded opponents on Thursday, Gonzalez fought past Eduardo Schwank 3-6, 6-3, 7-5, while Ferrer eased past Pablo Cuevas 7-5, 6-4.

Facing each other on eight occasions, Gonzalez leads Ferrer 5-3 in career head-to-head meetings.

Gonzalez will be aiming to reach his first final of season, previously losing in the semifinals of his hometown event in Santiago, Chile (l.Thomaz Bellucci).

Ferrer, who lost to Ferrero in the finals of Argentina last week, will attempt to reach his second straight final after reaching his third consecutive semifinal. Ferrer also advanced to the semifinal stage in Johannesburg, South Africa the first week of February (l. Stephane Robert).

Delray Beach International Tennis Championships—Florida

Defending champion Mardy Fish will face his toughest opponent of the week in Florida on Friday when he takes on No. 4 seed Jeremy Chardy of France for a place in Saturday’s semifinals.

Nursing an injured right knee, Fish has ben limited in his movement this week.

Having defeated Chardy in the semifinal stage of the event last year, the Frenchman gained a measure of revenge over Fish by defeating the American in Indian Wells.

Possessing a well versed game which is highlighted by loose limbed strokes, Chardy has the potential to reach the top 10.

Fish will certainly have his hands full with the Frenchman.

No. 7 seed James Blake will have the misfortune of  combatting the serve of No. 2 seed Ivo Karlovic during the night session.

Trailing Karlovic 4-3 in career head-to-head meetings, Blake will remain hopeful that he can reach his third career final in Delray Beach. Blake was a losing finalist in 2007, and 2008.

Karlovic, who currently stands at 11-4 on the season, will be adamant on reaching his first final of the year. Karlovic became the highest seed left in the draw after top seeded Tommy Haas was defeated in the opening round.

Elsewhere, No. 3 seed Benjamin Becker faces Jarkko Nieminen, and Ernests Gulbis takes on Leonardo Mayer.

Quotes courtesy of atpworldtour.com, and Associated Press.

Ferrero Makes it Two Tour Titles in a Row in Argentina

Former world No. 1 and French Open champion Juan Carlos Ferrero captured his second consecutive Tour title on Sunday at the Copa Telmax in Argentina, defeating top seed David Ferrer, 5-7, 6-4, 6-3.

Winning his 10th straight match on Tour, Ferrero gained 250 ATP World Tour points for his week’s efforts, while capturing the 14th title of his career.

Ferrero had captured his 13th career title in Brazil last week.

Ferrer, who was attempting to win his first Tour title since 2008, squandered his momentum and a one set lead in the middle of the second set.

Changing to a more agressive serve and return of serve strategy, Ferrero gained a crucial break of serve in the second set to level the match.

Continuing his ruthless ground game in the third set, Ferrero broke Ferrer’s serve in the seventh game before serving out the title.

Ferrero, who is currently ranked No. 22 in the world, will reclaim a top 20 position when Monday’s rankings are released.

Ferrer Wins 300th Career Match in Argentina

Tour workhorse and former world No. 4 David Ferrer captured his 300th ATP World Tour match victory on Saturday at the Copa Telmax in Argentina over Igor Andreev.

Dismissing Andreev 7-5, 6-2, Ferrer returned later in the day to reach the finals by defeating Albert Montanes 6-1, 6-1.

Ferrer was forced to play two matches on the day because of persistent rain on Friday.

Ferrer will attempt to win the eighth title of his career on Sunday against countryman Juan Carlos Ferrero. Ferrero is currently riding a nine match winning streak which included capturing his 13th career title in Brazil last week.

Day 6 Review: Querrey to Face Isner in Memphis Final; Frenchmen Battle for Marseille Crown; Ferrero Bids for Second Straight Title in Argentina

Regions Morgan Keegan Championships—Memphis, U.S.A

Recently appointed Davis Cup teammates Sam Querrey and John Isner will battle for their first ATP World Tour 500 series title on Sunday in Memphis, TN.

Competing together in the doubles draw this week, Isner began the day session by defeating Philipp Petzschner 7-5, 4-6, 6-3, which was followed by Querrey ousting in-form Ernests Gulbis 6-3, 6-4.

Conceding his serve midway through the second set, Isner quickly picked up his level of play to break Petzschner early in the third set. Improving to 12-1 on year, Isner will attempt to win his second title of the season on Sunday.

The 24-year-old American, who struck 13 aces while breaking Petzschner’s serve on three occasions, told reporters that his semifinal victory was far from easy.

“It was extremely difficult,” said Isner. “I had some chances early in the second to pull away a little bit, didn’t do it… It went to a third set and I told myself not to get rattled, which I didn’t. I knew that I still had my serve in my pocket – I’m going to hold serve, take my chances on the return game, and I like my chances in the third set no matter who I’m playing. I usually play pretty well in the third.”

Competing in his third career final on Sunday, the Georgia native told the media that he couldn’t have asked for a better start to the 2010 season.

“It’s huge,” said Isner. “It’ll be my second final already this year in my third tournament…Hopefully I can come out tomorrow and get it done no matter who I’m playing. Either way, I know I’ve done really well but I’m not satisfied, that’s for sure.”

Isner will face Querrey for the first time on Sunday, in what should be a close encounter.

Querrey was efficient in disposing of Latvian Gulbis in one hour and 28 minutes.

Gulbis, who was coming into the semifinal on the heals of an emotional victory over Thomas Berdych, failed to convert on his nine break point chances while surrendering his serve on two occasions.

Querrey, who was overly vocal and perturbed throughout his victory, argued with the chair umpire over several let-cord calls.

Winning 74 percent of his first serve points, Querrey struck 11 aces on his way to claiming his seventh win of the season.

Bidding to win his third career title, Querrey stands at 2-6 in career finals.

Open 13—Marsielle, France

Following his quarterfinal victory over No. 3 seed Gael Monfils, Frenchman Julien Benneteau defeated defending champion Jo-Wilfried Tsonga 7-6 (11), 5-7, 7-6 (3) on Saturday.

Reaching the finals in just under three hours, Benneteau’s crafty all-court game was a touch better than Tsonga’s on the day.

Withstanding 23 aces by Tsonga, Benneteau gained the upper-hand in both tiebreaks to claim his 10th win of the season.

Tsonga, who was attempting to reach the seventh final of his career, dropped to 7-2 on the season.

Aiming to win his first career title, Benneteau will be adamant on improving on his 0-3 career finals record.

The 28-year-old Frenchman will next meet last year’s finalist Michael Llodra, who defeated Mischa Zverev 6-1, 7-6 (3).

Llodra played his second consecutive near perfect match to defeat his German opponent in one hour and 11 minutes. Dismissing top seed Robin Soderling in the quarterfinals, Llorda’s serve was once again untouchable on Saturday, pounding 13 aces while winning 85 percent of his first serve points.

Vying for his fourth career title on Sunday, Llodra joked with the media after disclosing how he would deal with his doubles partner Benneteau during the championship match.

“We didn’t talk about the match today. But when he hit an ace with his second serve during the first set of the doubles I told him not to do it tomorrow (laughing),” joked Llodra. ”It will be special to play another final here in France. Julien has been playing well during the whole week, beating great players such as Gael and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.

“It’s great to be in both finals. Today I started very well but then had a little down at the beginning of the second set.”

Never facing each other in ATP World Tour competition, Benneteau and Llorda will battle top seeds Julian Knowle and Robert Lindstedt in the doubles final after contesting the singles title match.

Copa Telmax—Buenos Aires, Argentina

No. 2 seed Juan Carlos Ferrero won his ninth straight match on the ATP World Tour on Saturday, defeating last year’s finalist Juan Monaco 6-2, 7-6 (7) in semifinal action.

Using his confidence and exquisite ball-striking skills, Ferrero broke Monaco’s serve three times in the first set and once in the second set.

Defeating Monaco in the pair’s first ever contest, Ferrero improved to 9-2 on the season. Monaco, who was attempting to reach his third career final in Argentina, fell to 10-4 on the year. Monaco was forced to play his quarterfinal match earlier on Saturday against Horacio Zeballos because of persistent rain on Friday. Monaco defeated Zeballos 7-5, 6-1.

Attempting to win his 14th career final on Sunday, Ferrero will battle fellow Spaniard David Ferrer.

Ferrer used his powerful foot and leg speed to win two matches on Saturday—first by defeating Igor Andreev 7-5, 6-2, and later returning to dismiss Albert Montanes 6-1, 6-1.

Winning his seven and eighth matches of the season, Ferrer needed one hour and 42 minutes to dispose of Andreev, and one hour and 11 minutes to oust Montanes.

The former world No 4 will attempt to win his eighth career title on Sunday.

Ferrer and Ferrero have met on six occasions, with Ferrer leading 5-1 in career head-to-head meetings.

Ferrer won his 300 career ATP match with his victory over Andreev.

Quotes courtesy of atpworldtour.com.

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