Ferrer puts on masterclass
David Ferrer rolled back the years with an outstanding 6-3 6-2 win over Chung Hyeon at the ASB Classic quarterfinals on Thursday.
Although the 35-year-old Ferrer is in the twilight of his career, he’s remains on track for a record breaking fifth title in Auckland.
Chung had been playing superbly on his way to the quarterfinals, particularly in his three-set win over the fourth seed John Isner on Wednesday night.
But Ferrer was a different kind of opponent altogether and it wasn’t just about being able to return big first serves.
Following Wednesday’s dominant display over Joao Sousa, Ferrer feels the last two matches are the most consistent he has been in two years.
‘‘Last year I didn’t play good all season and for me it’s a surprise to play like this,’’ said Ferrer.
‘‘I played very consistent without a lot of mistakes. I don’t know what’s going to happen tomorrow but I’m going to enjoy this moment.’’
Ferrer admitted he spends more time on the physio table than the practice court these days.
But he more than matched his 21-year-old rival’s energy around the court, chasing everything down and ripping big winners.
It’s Ferrer’s new game style to keep the rallies shorter and it’s paying off for him as the veteran has looked considerably sharper than last year, when he lost his first match of the tournament, against Robin Haase.
Now into a staggering eighth semifinal in Auckland, the fourtime champion will meet Argentine star and favourite Juan Martin del Potro for a place in the final.
Del Potro overpowered Russian young gun Karen Khachanov in straight sets last night 7-6, 6-3.
Del Potro, who won the title in his only previous appearance in Auckland in 2009, will play Ferrer in a Friday night blockbuster.
Del Potro did not start off as
fluently as he did in his second round dismantling of Denis Shapovalov. But after his experience proved the difference in the first set tiebreak, he was soon back to his best in the second to advance although there was only one service break in the match.
Ferrer holds a 6-4 advantage over Del Potro in their head-tohead matches, but the world No 38 was taking little from that record.
‘‘We are in different moments’’ Ferrer said.
‘‘When I beat Juan Martin del Potro I was in the top-10. Now he’s the favourite to win this tournament but I’ll fight to be in the final.
Earlier, after last year’s late withdrawal, Roberto Bautista Agut appears to have picked up where he left off in 2016.
In a battle between two former Classic champions, Bautista Agut, who lifted the trophy two years ago, was far too good for 2015 winner Jiri Vesely, reaching his third semifinal in Auckland with a 7-6 6-2 victory.
Twelve months ago, a stomach virus prevented him from defending the title, but the stars have aligned nicely for the world No 21 this week.
With two of the top three seeds, reigning champion Jack Sock and Sam Querrey, bowing out he certainly has an easier path to the final.
The fifth seed will meet Robin Haase in Friday’s semifinal after the Dutchman saw off Germany’s Peter Gojowczyk, 6-4 6-4.