• Madrid Masters

Federer sees off challenge of Ferrer

ESPN staff
May 15, 2010
Roger Federer has Rafael Nadal in his sights after beating David Ferrer © Getty Images
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Roger Federer set up the dream Madrid Masters final with Rafael Nadal with a 7-5 3-6 6-3 defeat of David Ferrer.

Federer has been slow to find form on clay this year, but there have been signs of life in the Spanish capital this week and he was too good for Ferrer who battled bravely but was outclassed in the end.

Ferrer attempted to dominant from the back of the court, but he could make no impact on the Federer serve. The world No. 1 was simply sensational as he dropped just two points on his own serve in the first set and a break in game 11 helped him secure the set in a little over 45 minutes.

Ferrer kept plugging away and worked three break points in the second set and thrilled the home crowd when converting to take the fourth game. Ferrer backed up his break with a strong hold and he went on to mix his play up superbly to force a decider.

Federer looked more focused at the start of the third as he worked Ferrer around with spin and pace, but his Spanish opponent had a first win over the Swiss in his sights and was in no mood to surrender.

Ferrer dug in to hold serve in the sixth game, but Federer continued to pile on the pressure and the Swiss secured the vital break of serve in the eighth game.

He mixed slice and top spin, power and precision to edge to within a game of victory and closed out the match with an ace and with it a fourth Madrid final in five years.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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