Later this month David Ferrer will take to the main stage of the Australian Open for the 15th consecutive year of his career. Previously troubled by the task of trying to match the high standard set out by his compatriot Rafael Nadal, the 34-year-old has unveiled a new game plan this season.
Ferrer kicked-off his 2017 campaign with a win following his 6-3, 7-5, dismissal of Bernard Tomic at the Brisbane Open earlier on Monday. His impressive start was sealed with the help of a 83% winning rate on his first serve combined with him breaking his Australian rival four times.
Bidding to win his 27th ATP title this week, Ferrer is refusing to succumb to the expectation that has weighed on his shoulders in the past years. Aware that he is starting to enter the long road to retirement within the next couple of years, the Spaniard wants to start savouring his experiences of the tour.
“My goals this year are to be happy with myself and be focused in every tournament that I play, without pressure,” said Ferrer. “All tennis players have pressure, but at this moment of my career, I need to enjoy these types of matches on Centre Court. I am 34 years old, 35 next month, so I hope I will play a little bit longer.”
Striving for a more relaxing time on the tour, Ferrer still has to contend with some awkward scenarios. The latest regarded Tomic’s lethargic performance in Brisbane, where he struggled for both momentum and consistency in his game. Shortly after his loss, the Australian attributed his performance to a tough pre-season regime. An explanation that Ferrer struggled to reason with.
“I don’t know, I don’t know,” He replied when asked about Tomic’s fitness. “He tried to play faster … I don’t know, he was bad about his fitness, I don’t know.”
Enduring a roller coaster season in 2016, Ferrer ended the year outside the top 20 for the first time since 2009. Despite the minor setback in what has been a consistent career, he still believes that he has the ability to improve at the age of 34.
“I am 34 years old and the last seven years I had finished in the top ten.” He told as.com in December.
“’I’m excited about the new season, it’s a challenge for me, trying to climb the rankings. I will try next year (2017) to improve also in my tennis. There is a new generation that is very good, although there is no excuse, in the end tennis is very fair and if I am in that position it is because I have deserved it.”
In the second round in Brisbane, eighth-seeded Ferrer will play Australian wildcard Jordan Thompson.
