Four-Time Champ Ferrer Opens Auckland Quest

David Ferrer opened his bid for an unprecedented fifth title at the ASB Classic, battling past Chinese teen Wu Yibing 7-6(7), 6-4 on Monday.

The Spanish veteran prevailed after a gritty encounter, opening his 2018 ATP World Tour campaign with his 718th match victory. Ferrer is looking to carry the momentum from a strong second half of 2017, as he eyes another successful week at one of his favourite tournaments. He lifted the Auckland trophy in 2007, 2011, 2012 and 2013. 

Victory over the Chinese #NextGenATP star wasn’t as straightforward as the 35-year-old had hoped. Yibing saved nine of 12 break points faced and secured a critical break of his own when Ferrer served for the match at 5-3 in the second set. But the Spaniard’s experience would prove decisive, closing out the win in exactly two hours.

Ferrer will next face 2017 finalist Joao Sousa for the third time in their FedEx ATP Head2Head series (tied 1-1). Sousa rallied past Donald Young 6-7(8), 6-4, 6-2 to open Monday’s action, prevailing after two hours and three minutes. The Portuguese No. 1 finished runner-up to Jack Sock last year.

Also on Day One, Yuichi Suigta faces Karen Khachanov and 2016 titlist Roberto Bautista Agut clashes with wild card Michael Venus. Canada’s Denis Shapovalov, the Star of Tomorrow presented by Emirates, caps off proceedings against qualifier Rogerio Dutra Silva.