Ferrer Clinches Back-To-Back Titles

© MEXTENIS/Jorge ReyesDavid Ferrer on his way to his 11th ATP World Tour title.

Gritty Spaniard David Ferrer went 6-for-7 on break point opportunities against Nicolas Almagro to successfully defend the Abierto Mexicano Telcel title and deny his countryman’s quest to become the only player to win three of the four Golden Swing crowns in the one season.

Top-seeded Ferrer, who in last year’s Acapulco final also denied Juan Carlos Ferrero an elusive third title of the clay-court swing, won his 11th ATP World Tour tournament with a 7-6(4), 6-7(2), 6-2 win over Almagro, who came into the match on a 13-match winning streak.

"I didn't think I could win here twice in a row and I realise I am having the best season start of my career this year," said Ferrer. "I hope I can continue like that this season. Acapulco is a very special event for me, where I always received great support from the people and I will do everything possible to come back next year."

Almagro added, "I want to congratulate David, for everything he has done in the last weeks. He's been playing at an unbelievable level."

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Former World No. 4 Ferrer collects $264,000 and 500 South African Airways 2011 ATP Rankings points for his victory. Ferrer converted the first six break points he earned in the match but was a denied a perfect record when Almagro crushed an off-forehand that landed on the line to save a match point in the seventh game of the third set. In contrast, Almagro cashed in just four of 13 break chances.

"It was a very intense match with a lot of rallies in the first and second set; we played a lot of great points," reflected Ferrer. "In the third [set], I think I was better physically and he started making more mistakes. My error was that after coming back and winning the first set, I relaxed in the second and he started attacking a lot more.

Almagro, who won back-to-back Acapulco titles in 2008-09, collected the runner’s up purse of $122,000 after falling to an 0-6 career record against Ferrer.

"Today was a very tough match and too bad I couldn't take advantage of my lead in the first set," said Almagro. "I am disappointed right now that I couldn't close this first set, maybe things would have been different. It's been an unbelievable South American swing for me. I played nonstop for three weeks at a very high level and I know I need to be proud and happy about it. I now look forward to resting a few days at home before getting ready for Indian Wells and Miami."

Ferrer has started the season with 14 wins from 16 matches, a record that includes titles in Auckland and Acapulco, and a semi-final run at the Australian Open.