Ferrer Powers Into Valencia Semis; Granollers Routed

David Ferrer continued his march to a third title in Valencia while defending champion Marcel Granollers was beaten in just over an hour in the quarterfinals.

By Erik Gudris

(October 26, 2012) -- Top seed David Ferrer continued his perfect career record against fellow Spainard Nicolas Almagro in the quarterfinals of the Valencia Open 500.

After multiple errors from Almagro allowed Ferrer to take the first set 6-3, the two-time champion had a tougher time in the second set as Almagro improved his game. Ferrer ripped a forehand down the line winner to go up 6-5 and though he needed two match points, Ferrer eventually closed out a 6-3, 7-5 win. The loss puts a dent into Almagro's chances to qualify for the ATP World Tour Finals in London that has him currently chasing a final sport in the elite eight man event.

Ferrer will now face Croatia's Ivan Dodig who ousted his fellow countryman Marin Cilic 6-3, 7-6(6). The victory puts Dodig into his first ever ATP semi this season.

Defending Champion Granollers Routed by Dolgopolov

Though entering as the event's defending champion, Spain's Marcel Granollers put up little resistance against Alexandr Dolgopolov in their quarterfinal. After dropping the first set 6-0, an injured Granollers couldn't do much against Dolgopolov who lost only 10 service points all day to close out an impressive 6-0, 6-2 win.

Awaiting Dolgopolov is veteran Jurgen Melzer who notched his 20th win of the year with a 7-6(7), 6-4 win over Belgium's David Goffin.

VALENCIA OPEN

Valencia, Spain

October 21-28, 2012

€1,424,850/ATP World Tour 500

Surface: Hard

Tournament Website: Valencia Open | Live Scores | Draws | TV Schedule

RESULTS -- FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2012

Singles - Quarterfinals
[1] D Ferrer (ESP) d [6] N Almagro (ESP) 63 75
[Q] I Dodig (CRO) d [7] M Cilic (CRO) 62 76(6)
A Dolgopolov (UKR) d M Granollers (ESP) 60 62
J Melzer (AUT) d D Goffin (BEL) 76(7) 64

Doubles - Quarterfinals
D Marrero (ESP) / F Verdasco (ESP) d [1] M Granollers (ESP) / M Lopez (ESP) 63 62
[WC] D Ferrer (ESP) / J Ferrero (ESP) d J Knowle (AUT) / F Polasek (SVK) 63 67(2) 10-6

ORDER OF PLAY -- SATURDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2012

AGORA start 1:00 pm
D Marrero (ESP) / F Verdasco (ESP) vs S Gonzalez (MEX) / S Lipsky (USA)

Not Before 4:00 PM
[1] D Ferrer (ESP) vs [Q] I Dodig (CRO)

Not Before 8:00 PM
A Dolgopolov (UKR) vs J Melzer (AUT)
[WC] D Ferrer (ESP) / J Ferrero (ESP) vs [2] A Peya (AUT) / B Soares (BRA)