Ferrer Claims Third Valencia Title Over Dolgopolov

By Erik Gudris

(October 28th, 2012) In a battle of shifting momentum, David Ferrer prevailed in a three-set final over Alexandr Dolgopolov to win his third title at the Valencia Open 500.

Despite only dropping serving once all week en route to the finals, Dolgopolov could only muster 45% on his first serves in the first set that allowed Ferrer to break him early in the match. Ferrer saved two break points against him and eventually ran away with the set 6-1.

The second set prove to be a role reversal though as it was Dolgopolov who earned an early break of serve and jumped out to a 3-0 lead. The pro-Ferrer crowd was often silent when Dolgopolov hit a winner but applauded when the Spaniard managed to get his game going to finally get on the board down 1-4. But it wasn't enough as Dolgopolov went on to take the set with a backhand winner 6-3.

Both men settled into the third set with easy holds of serve. But it was Ferrer who soon found himself down 15-40 on his serve at 3-2 but fought off both break points against him by winning two extended rallies with some stellar shotmaking. Ferrer eventually held serve and soon found himself with a break point chance when Dolgopolov served to stay in the match at 4-5. But it was a netted forehand from Dolgopolov that finally gave Ferrer a 6-1, 3-6, 6-4 win and with it his third title in Valencia.

Ferrer celebrated his victory by sharing an embrace with Juan Carlos Ferrero who announced his retirement from tennis earlier in the week.

Valencia is Ferrer's sixth title of the 2012 season and his first indoor title since winning the event back in 2010.

(Photo Credit: AFP)