Valencia, Spain – World number three David Ferrer reached the semi-finals of the Valencia Open for the fourth consecutive year with 6-4, 4-6, 6-0 win over fifth seed Jerzy Janowicz.
Ferrer broke the big-serving Pole for the first time this week on his way to taking the opening set, but Janowicz responded with the one break of his own enough to take the second.
However, Ferrer, the three-time champion in his home region, took control at the start of the decider as the errors flowed from the Janowicz racket to race through the set without the lose of a game.
“It was a very hard game, he served very well,” Ferrer told Spanish TV station Teledeporte.
“He doesn't allow you to gain rhythm with his huge serve and it is very difficult.
“In the first two sets I missed more than normal, but in the third I managed to concentrate and produce better tennis.”
Next up for Ferrer is either third seed Nicolas Almagro or Italian Fabio Fognini and he is hoping to cross paths with his compatriot in the last four.
“They are two very good players, but Nico is a Spaniard and it would be nice to guarantee a Spaniard in the final.”
The other semi-final will be an all-Russian affair between Mikhail Youzhny and Dmitry Tursunov after they overcame Jarkko Nieminen and Jeremy Chardy respectively on Friday. – Sapa-AFP