David Ferrer claimed his 26th ATP title after recovering from a set down to defeat America’s Steve Johnson 4-6, 6-4, 7-5, in the final of the Vienna Open.
The world No.8 eight got off to a slow start as Johnson took the first three games of the match to clinch the first set after 41 minutes. The American was playing in his first ATP Final compared to Ferrer, who was playing in his 51st.
After dropping the opening set, the Spaniard responded by breaking his American rival two consecutive times at the start of the second. Ferrer’s service consistency dramatically improved during the second set compared to the first. He won 63% of his second service points throughout the middle set compared to 44% in the first as he levelled the match.
Despite there being 39 places separating the two men in the rankings, the majority of the final set were extremely close with both men holding their serve. During the seventh game Ferrer had four separate opportunities to break for a 4-3 lead but failed to convert as Johnson edged himself ahead. As the match went towards the final stage, Johnson began to crumble as the top seed finally broke to lead 6-5. The lapse in Johnson’s game was fatal to his title hopes as Ferrer served the match out to love after two hours and sixteen minutes.
This was one of the shots that helped David Ferrer secure the title in Vienna over a gutsy Steve Johnson. https://t.co/4buWTJ0Ro6
— TennisTV (@TennisTV) October 25, 2015
Throughout the thrilling encounter, Ferrer produced almost half the amount of winners compared to Johnson (22-43), however, the American’s high error count played a key role in the Spaniard’s victory. Johnson produced 52 unforced errors compared to Ferrer’s 18.
The Vienna title is a big boost for Ferrer’s quest to qualify for the ATP World Tour Finals in November. Only the top eight players will qualify for the prestigious event. Ferrer is currently ranked eighth with 4125 points, 1855 more than ninth placed Milos Raonic.
After claiming his fifth title of 2015, Ferrer has admitted that he is uncertain about playing in the upcoming Valencia Open as he continues to recover from an elbow injury which forced him to miss this year’s Wimbledon Championships.
“I do not know. I have to talk to Juan-Carlos (Ferrero). It is difficult, as my elbow is not at 100%, but I hope to be able playing there.” Ferrer said.
During his after match press conference, the World No.8 admitted that he still hasn’t fully recovered from the injury and still receives treatment as he conducts daily routines to look after his troubled elbow. Despite the injury blip this year, Ferrer describes 2015 as one of the best years of his career as the 34-year-old bids to qualify for his sixth consecutive ATP Finals tournament.
“This has been one of my best year’s so far. Maybe 2012 and 2013 were better, but now I enjoy playing tennis more than back then. Of course, I want to be among the eight players competing in London, but I am not there yet.” The world No.8 said.
An announcement is expected to be made regarding Ferrer’s participating Valencia by the end of the week.
