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1/13/12 5:17 PM | Ricky Dimon
David Ferrer will look to successfully defend his 2011 title on Sunday in Auckland. Standing in his way is surprise finalist Olivier Rochus.
David Ferrer and Olivier Rochus will be meeting for the eighth time in their careers when they battle for the Heineken Open title on Saturday afternoon.
Ferrer leads the head-to-head series 5-2, including 3-2 on hard courts. The two veterans have not faced each other since 2008, when Ferrer won a pair of hard-court encounters in Dubai and at the Indian Wells Masters. Rochus' victories came in Auckland and Rotterdam in 2006.
Ferrer's appearance in this final comes as no surprise. The world No. 5 wrapped up his 2011 campaign in stellar form, plus he has always fared well in Auckland (a two-time champion with triumphs in 2007 and 2011). So far this week Ferrer has taken out Lukas Rosol, Alejandro Falla, and Fernando Verdasco, losing one set to Falla in the process.
Rochus has made an awesome run to his second Auckland title match (lost to Fernando Gonzalez). The 5'6'' Belgian dismissed Tobias Kamke in his opener, beat Thomaz Bellucci and Benoit Paire both in third-set tiebreakers, then ousted Philipp Kohlschreiber 6-7(4), 6-1, 6-4 on Friday.
"I'll just try and enjoy the final and go for it," said Rochus. "There's no pressure for me. I will play against one of the best players in the world in a final of an ATP event. This is why we practice, to get the chance to play these kinds of matches."
Rochus is going in with the right mindset, but the problem is his only matchup edge is with a standout one-handed backhand. Ferrer has a better serve, better return, better forehand, and his defense is world-class.
Count on the top seed defending his title in straight sets.
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Yes congrats to Ferrer, for winning three in a row at Auckland, well done! Both players played very well and make this final an entertaining match. Rochus can really play so well, and I know in the past he took Nole to five sets at Wimbledon one year. Well done to Rochus too, Ferrer is just a bit better today.
David looking so happy with this win, what a sweet guy. I hope he does well at the AO and puts up a good fight against Nole should they get to meet there.
luckystar , 1/14/12 6:44 AM
too good, Ferrer
RickyDimon , 1/14/12 6:52 AM
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An interesting match so far, interrupted by rain. Ferrer leading 5-3, 40-adv in the first set when rain interrupted again. Ferrer was so quick around the court but Rochus was still able to keep up with him, well done. If Ferrer wins here, he would have won three in a row here at Auckland. He has another chance at Acapulco this year, well done to him if he can accomplish that in both tournaments.
luckystar , 1/14/12 5:21 AM