Nadal routs Ferrer to win Mexican Open
Former world number one races to title in straight sets.
The Mexican Open triumph was Nadal’s 52th ATP Tour title. PHOTO: AFP
ACAPULCO:
Rafael Nadal destroyed David Ferrer to win the Mexican Open on Saturday, losing just two games as he claimed his second title in three events since returning from a lengthy injury lay-off.
The former world number one, who has never lost to a fellow Spaniard in a final, kept his perfect record intact by routing reigning three-time champion Ferrer 6-0, 6-2 to win his 38th clay court title.
Since returning from a seven-month absence with a left knee injury in February, Nadal has won 12 of his 13 matches, finishing as runner-up in Vina del Mar, Chile, before triumphing in Sao Paulo last month.
“I have had some difficult months, especially during my time away from tennis. But I take with me fond memories of returning to Acapulco,” said Nadal, currently ranked fifth in the world.
“I feel good being back on court. I have to thank my family and everyone involved in my rehabilitation. It has been a difficult time over the last few months.”
The 11-time Grand Slam winner needed just 65 minutes to clinch his 52nd ATP Tour title, serving brilliantly throughout and winning 81 percent of his first-serve points. He saved both break points he faced.
“I am sorry about this result but I know Ferrer will be back and I consider him one of the great players of today.”
Meanwhile, in the women’s final, Italian top seed Sara Errani breezed past second seed Carla Suarez Navarro of Spain 6-0, 6-4.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 4th, 2013.
Rafael Nadal destroyed David Ferrer to win the Mexican Open on Saturday, losing just two games as he claimed his second title in three events since returning from a lengthy injury lay-off.
The former world number one, who has never lost to a fellow Spaniard in a final, kept his perfect record intact by routing reigning three-time champion Ferrer 6-0, 6-2 to win his 38th clay court title.
Since returning from a seven-month absence with a left knee injury in February, Nadal has won 12 of his 13 matches, finishing as runner-up in Vina del Mar, Chile, before triumphing in Sao Paulo last month.
“I have had some difficult months, especially during my time away from tennis. But I take with me fond memories of returning to Acapulco,” said Nadal, currently ranked fifth in the world.
“I feel good being back on court. I have to thank my family and everyone involved in my rehabilitation. It has been a difficult time over the last few months.”
The 11-time Grand Slam winner needed just 65 minutes to clinch his 52nd ATP Tour title, serving brilliantly throughout and winning 81 percent of his first-serve points. He saved both break points he faced.
“I am sorry about this result but I know Ferrer will be back and I consider him one of the great players of today.”
Meanwhile, in the women’s final, Italian top seed Sara Errani breezed past second seed Carla Suarez Navarro of Spain 6-0, 6-4.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 4th, 2013.