Gabashvili sends Ferrer crashing out

Russian outplays second seed in straight sets at Barcelona Open.

BARCELONA: Four-time finalist David Ferrer stumbled out in the second round of the Barcelona Open on Wednesday, losing 6-4, 6-2 to Russian Teimuraz Gabashvili.

The loss came five days after world number five Ferrer upset Rafael Nadal in the quarter-finals at Monte Carlo, a career highlight for the winner.

Last season Ferrer lost at the same stage at the Club de Tenis, going out to Dmitry Tursunov after losing a quartet of finals to Nadal over the years in the Catalan capital.

The favoured Spaniard had beaten Gabashvili in both of their previous matches, both played on hardcourt.

Ferrer went down in 80 minutes, converting only one of eight break point chances, while losing his own serve four times and firing four double faults.

The victory was the best for Gabashvili since upsetting Andy Roddick in the Roland Garros third round four years ago.

Two Spaniards advanced, with sixth seed Nicolas Almagro beating Slovak Martin Klizan 7-5, 7-6 (7/4) and Albert Montanes defeating eighth seed Alexandr Dolgopolov of the Ukraine 7-6 (7/5), 6-3.

“It was a tough match, he gets a lot of balls back and makes life difficult,” said Montanes. “I’m very pleased to have gotten through in straight sets.”

Published in The Express Tribune, April 24^th, 2014.

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