Fighter Ferrer bids adieu

MADRID, May 9

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Spaniard David Ferrer played the final match of his career, losing 6-4 6-1 to Alexander Zverev in his last tournament before retirement. Ferrer bowed out of Madrid Open, calling time on a distinguished career that included 27 ATP titles and a highest ranking of No. 3 in the world. Renowned for his never-say-die attitude, the 37-year-old reached the French Open final in 2014, as well as five more Grand Slam semifinals.

“I couldn’t have given more to this sport,” said Ferrer, who left his bandana on the ‘T’ of the service box. “I don’t know what my legacy will be but I always fought until the last point. Maybe it will be that.”   

Federer survives

Roger Federer survived two match points against French maverick Gael Monfils to extend his claycourt comeback and reach the quarterfinals today. The evergreen Swiss did not drop a game in a dominant first set but was dragged into an intense battle by an inspired Monfils before prevailing 6-0 4-6 7-6(3). 

World No. 3 Federer, playing his first tournament on clay for three years as he prepares for the French Open, surrendered the initiative after his brisk start and was in deep trouble in the third set when he trailed 1-4. 

Federer struggled with his timing on occasions in breezy, sunny conditions and swatted a ball angrily over the stands when he dropped serve at the start of the decider. But he broke back in the seventh game with a stunning sliced backhand return. Monfils earned a match point at 5-6 on the Federer serve with an ice-cool backhand pass, but Federer followed in a second serve and bounced away a smash. Federer saved another match point to set up a tiebreak and he proved unstoppable as he swept to his 1,200th match win. Dominic Thiem awaits in the next round after he beat Fabio Fognini. 

Stan Wawrinka continued to produce some vintage form as he beat Kei Nishikori 6-3 7-6(3). World No. 1 Novak Djokovic was untroubled as he beat Jeremy Chardy 6-1 7-6(2) to set up a clash against Marin Cilic. — Agencies

David among goliaths

27 ATP Tour titles won

Clay feats 15 of his 27 titles won on clay, reached French Open final in 2013

No. 3 Top ranking (July 2013)

1 Masters 1,000 title won (Paris Masters, 2012)

$31.4m Career prize money (7th on all-time list)