TENNIS ATP VALENCIA – Andy Murray beat David Ferrer 6-4, 7-5 to qualify for the final where he will face either Robredo or Chardy. With this win Murray edges closer to securing his place at the ATP Finals in London.
It was their third match in just a few weeks. The first encounter came in the Shanghai Master 1000, Ferrer won this match 2-6, 6-1, 6-2. The second match came just a few days ago in the final of the Vienna Open, Murray won this one 5-7, 6-2, 7-5. The Scottish player won the third instalment of this autumn 2014 rivalry in Valencia 6-4, 7-5 to gain crucial points in the ATP Race to London Rankings to secure a place in the ATP Finals. Both players had won this tournament before, Ferrer won three times in 2008, 2010, 2012, Murray won in Valencia in 2009. The former Wimbledon champion will play the final tomorrow against either Robredo or Chardy after a two set win
Ferrer opened the the match with a terrible game. Two double faults (the second on break point) and a great cross-court passing shot by Murray sealed the break of serve in the opening game giving the British player the early lead. The Spanish player struggled to find the measure of his shots during the opening set and was regularly punished by Murray who easily defended when Ferrer was pushing to then turn the rally around at the first opportunity. Ferrer had one opportunity to break back and it happened in the tenth and final game of the set, but Murray saved it with a wide serve and a forehand volley in the opposite corner. In this first set Murray played better and won the 6-4 making 12 winners and 9 unforced errors whilst Ferrer made 5 winners and an uncharacteristic 11 unforced errors.
The second set started in similar fashion to the first with Murray breaking Ferrer in the opening game. Murray secured a second break in the third game to take a 3-0 lead and the match looked like it was over. Instead the British player took his foot off the gas allowing Ferrer back in contention and the Spanish player didn’t hesitate. Ferrer won 4 games in a row to go ahead 4-3. Murray was getting visibly frustrated with himself and the crowd who was very noisy and obviously all for the local player. The next twist in the match came in the eleventh game when Murray broke serve again to go serve for the match ahead 6-5. The Scot needed three break points to gain the advantage but finally he made the break with a backhand acceleration ending another long and intense rally. The drama wasn’t over as Murray had to face three break points in the last game, but in the end he finished the match with a classic serve and forehand combination at his second match point.
