Ferrer becomes the new Spanish king of Rio
Second seed downs Fognini in final, Errani takes the women’s crown
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. PHOTO: AFP
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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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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