Spain’s David Ferrer might be the sixth highest ranked player participating in the upcoming Rio Open in Brazil, but it isn’t stopping him from targeting a significant milestone in his career.
The 34-year-old will return to the Jockey Club Brasileiro in Rio de Janeiro for the fourth consecutive year. It is the venue where the Spaniard last won a title on the clay, defeating Fabio Fognini in the 2015 final. This time round, Ferrer is eager to get back to winning ways after ending last year without a trophy for the first time since 2009.
There is also an extra incentive for Ferrer in Rio. A run to the final will reward him his 700th win on the ATP Tour, an achievement that has been accomplished by just 12 players in the history of tennis. Out of all the active players on the tour, only Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic have won more matches than him.
“I am very happy to be back in Rio for the fourth time and I hope to get here (my 700th victory).” Ferrer told Brazilian media.
Ferrer holds the unique reputation of being one of the most decorated non grand slam champions of all time. Throughout his career, the world No.27 has played in 51 ATP finals, winning 26 titles. His trophy tally is double that of his rivals Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Tomas Berdych and Gael Monfils.
Despite boasting a highly consistent career, where he has ended seven seasons inside the world’s top-10, 2016 was one filled with disappointment. Struggling with form, Ferrer spiralled outside of the top-20 in the Emirates ranking for the first time since July 2009. Now ranked 27th in the world, the 34-year-old is hoping a strong run in Rio will he elevate him back up the ranks.
“I need to improve my shots, I’m not at the level I want, so I hope to evolve this week,” he explained.
In the first round, Ferrer is set for a tricky encounter against 2014 Rio finalist Alexandr Dolgopolov, who has reached the final of this week’s Argentina Open in Buenos Aires.
This year’s Rio Open will be headlined by Kei Nishikori and Dominic Thiem. Third seed Pablo Cuevas is the defending champion.
Ferrer’s potential path to the Rio title
R1: Alexandr Dolgopolov UKR
R2: Carlos Berlocq/Horacio Zeballos ARG
QF: Pablo Carreno Busta ESP
SF: Kei Nishikori JPA
F: Dominic Thiem AUT
