MATCH REPORT Ferrero dethrones Mirnyi
For the third time this tournament, Juan Carlos Ferrero won a match by clinching the tiebreak at the end of a hard-fought three-setter. The Spaniard beat defending champion Max Mirnyi 6-7 (2), 6-3, 7-6 (4). "The way these matches are going, this is fast becoming the toughest tournament of the season for me," Ferrero said after the match. "I would love to win the final, and would greatly welcome an easy match."
The Byelorussian was off to a good start, and comfortably held his service. His Spanish opponent found the going much tougher, and just managed to survive three breakpoints in the eighth game. The set went to a tiebreak, which the Byelorussian won 7-2.
Ferrero again proved his resilience and managed to take the second 6-3. Serving for the match at 5-4 in the third, Ferrero found himself at the receiving end of what was arguably the best return of the tournament. Few people were surprised when Ferrero subsequently forced the match into another tiebreak. The Spaniard immediately broke Mirnyi’s service, and used his first matchpoint to secure a place in the final (7-4).
Ferrero: "I have played three very tough matches, and was really pleased to win. I have never played three consecutive matches that were decided by means of a tiebreak at the end of the third set. I had taken a couple of weeks off before the tournament, and I am happy about the way I’m playing at the moment. My muscles aren’t too painful. The only problem with playing long evening matches is that you get to bed in the early hours of the morning. They may have been hard-earned victories, but they have done wonders for my self-confidence. When the chips were down, I have managed to produce my best tennis. That may well be the result of my victory at Roland Garros, but you can never really be certain. Every moment is different, but it makes me more experienced."
Ferrero played his last indoor tournament in early November. As a result, he is delighted to have made it to the final: "I am not an indoor specialist, and Hewitt is a tough opponent on any surface. He’s a fighter, but we have played some fantastic matches against each other."
Mirnyi was gracious in defeat: "The third set went with service until I unexpectedly lost my service game. Although I was able to fight my way back into the match, Ferrero suddenly started to serve aces during the tiebreak. I was unable to produce better tennis than I did. I hope to play as well in Marseille as I did here. With a bit of luck I’ll be back next year, but you never know. I’ll certainly take a photograph of the boarding before I leave. Seeing my name among those of former champions is not something I want to forget."
For the third time this tournament, Juan Carlos Ferrero won a match by clinching the tiebreak at the end of a hard-fought three-setter. The Spaniard beat defending champion Max Mirnyi 6-7 (2), 6-3, 7-6 (4). "The way these matches are going, this is fast becoming the toughest tournament of the season for me," Ferrero said after the match. "I would love to win the final, and would greatly welcome an easy match."
The Byelorussian was off to a good start, and comfortably held his service. His Spanish opponent found the going much tougher, and just managed to survive three breakpoints in the eighth game. The set went to a tiebreak, which the Byelorussian won 7-2.
Ferrero again proved his resilience and managed to take the second 6-3. Serving for the match at 5-4 in the third, Ferrero found himself at the receiving end of what was arguably the best return of the tournament. Few people were surprised when Ferrero subsequently forced the match into another tiebreak. The Spaniard immediately broke Mirnyi’s service, and used his first matchpoint to secure a place in the final (7-4).
Ferrero: "I have played three very tough matches, and was really pleased to win. I have never played three consecutive matches that were decided by means of a tiebreak at the end of the third set. I had taken a couple of weeks off before the tournament, and I am happy about the way I’m playing at the moment. My muscles aren’t too painful. The only problem with playing long evening matches is that you get to bed in the early hours of the morning. They may have been hard-earned victories, but they have done wonders for my self-confidence. When the chips were down, I have managed to produce my best tennis. That may well be the result of my victory at Roland Garros, but you can never really be certain. Every moment is different, but it makes me more experienced."
Ferrero played his last indoor tournament in early November. As a result, he is delighted to have made it to the final: "I am not an indoor specialist, and Hewitt is a tough opponent on any surface. He’s a fighter, but we have played some fantastic matches against each other."
Mirnyi was gracious in defeat: "The third set went with service until I unexpectedly lost my service game. Although I was able to fight my way back into the match, Ferrero suddenly started to serve aces during the tiebreak. I was unable to produce better tennis than I did. I hope to play as well in Marseille as I did here. With a bit of luck I’ll be back next year, but you never know. I’ll certainly take a photograph of the boarding before I leave. Seeing my name among those of former champions is not something I want to forget."
