Ferrer becomes the new Spanish king of Rio

Second seed downs Fognini in final, Errani takes the women’s crown

RIO DE JANEIRO: Spanish world number nine David Ferrer stormed to the ATP Rio Open title late Sunday, battering Italian Fabio Fognini 6-2, 6-3 in a one-sided final.

Fognini, ranked 28 in the world, had edged out titleholder and clay king Rafael Nadal in his semi-final 24 hours earlier, but had no answer to Ferrer as the second seed sped past him in one hour and 23 minutes.

"It's been a very special week for me," said Ferrer after taking his series with Fognini, the Australian Open doubles champion, to a perfect 8-0.

For Fognini, there was the compensation at least of a first win over Nadal, making him feel as good as if he had actually won the title. "Sorry David, nothing against you, but I beat the king of clay," said Fognini.

Ferrer took the joke in good heart. "You said you beat the king of clay but the king of clay [in Rio] is right here. Rafa still has time for such accolades," said the new champion.

Earlier, Italian top seed Sara Errani scored a 7-6 (7/2), 6-1 win in the women's final over Slovakian sixth seed Anna Karolina Schmiedlova.

"It’s always special to play here — I love playing on clay," said Errani. "I hope I'll be back here for the Olympics [next year] but it's a pity they won't be on clay," said Errani, noting the Olympic tournament will be a hardcourt event falling shortly before the US Open.

 

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