Tennis: Ferrer wins third Valencia title

MADRID: David Ferrer gave the home fans something to cheer when he lifted the Valencia Open title for the third time after a 6-1, 3-6, 6-4 win over Ukraine’s Alexandr Dolgopolov to bag his sixth crown of the year. Ferrer made it six wins from seven season finals, although 21st-ranked Dolgopolov made him work. “It’s always very difficult to play at home,” said Ferrer, the 2008 and 2010 champion in Valencia. “I knew it would be more difficult to win the title again. He’s a very talented opponent. I played aggressively and it went well for me. I want to dedicate the victory to Juan Carlos Ferrero (the former world number one who played his last tournament) on his farewell. He has given me the opportunity to grow as a person and as a player.”

Published in The Express Tribune, October 30^th, 2012.