By Adrianna Outlaw | Thursday, July 14, 2016
David Ferrer survived a three-set test from qualifier Calvin Hemery, while Dustin Brown beat sixth-seeded Aljaz Bedene to advance to the Bastad quarterfinals.
Photo credit: Fredric Berggren/SkiStar Swedish Open
Top-seeded David Ferrer was reminded of an important tennis lesson: What you don't know can hurt you.
The top-seeded Spaniard was down a set and 0-2 before rallying past 368th-ranked French qualifier Calvin Hemery, 3-6, 7-5, 6-3, to advance to the Bastad quarterfinals.
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The two-time Bastad champion said it took him some time to find his range.
"It was tough, at the end of the first set and beginning of the second set I made a lot of mistakes," Ferrer said afterward. "I played point by point and remained focused so that in the third set, I was more settled. It was important that I won the match and I hope I can play better tomorrow."
Hemery, whose eight aces matched his double fault output, said the match was a learning experience.
"Today was a very, very great match for me," Hemery told the crowd afterward. "My first time against a top player like him. So compliments to David."
Ferrer will play world No. 101 Dustin Brown for a semifinal spot in a clash of the grinder vs. the showman.
Brown beat sixth-seeded Aljaz Bedene, 6-3, 6-7 (5), 6-3.
"Dustin is playing well, I watched his match against Bedene," Ferrer said. "It isn't easy playing against Dustin."
It was celebration day for Portugal as a pair of Portuguese players advanced.
No. 2 seeded Joao Sousa swept Swedish wild card Carl Soderlund, 6-3, 6-1, in 57 minutes.
Gasto Elias turned back Taro Daniel, 7-6 (1), 3-6, 6-2, in two hours, 23 minutes.
The Portuguese pair will square off in the quarterfinals.