Ferrer, Dolgopolov Reach Valencia Open Finals

David Ferrer needed three sets to reach the finals of the Valencia Open 500. Waiting for him will be Alexander Dolgopolov who dismissed Jurgen Melzer in the semis.

By Erik Gudris

(October 27, 2012) -- David Ferrer was pushed to three sets but eventually prevailed to reach the finals of the Valencia Open 500 where he will seek a third title at the event.

Taking on Croatia's Ivan Dodig in the semifinals, Ferrer didn't face a break point early on in the match as he broke Dodig to go on and claim the first set 6-4. Dodig struck back as he traded breaks of serve with Ferrer in a lengthy second set that ended in a tiebreak that Dodig narrowly won seven points to five.

But that would prove to be the last gasp from Dodig as Ferrer rolled through the final set to earn a 6-4, 6-7(5), 6-1 win in two hours and 42 minutes.

Ferrer will now try to win a third title in Valencia having won the event in 2008 and 2010.

Dolgopolov Eases Past Melzer in Semis

Ukraine's Alexander Dolgopolov, after beating defending champion Marcel Granollers earlier in the week, once again had little trouble this time against Jurgen Melzer in their semifinal match. Despite trading breaks with Melzer early on, Dolgopolov managed one more break of serve to take the first set and was never broken again as he went on to win 6-4, 6-2.

Dolgopolov has not dropped a set all week and has only lost his serve once in 37 games. Ferrer leads the overall head to head with Dolgopolov 4-1.
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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 -- SATURDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2012

Singles - Semifinals

[1] D Ferrer (ESP) d [Q] I Dodig (CRO) 64 67(5) 61
A Dolgopolov (UKR) d J Melzer (AUT) 64 62

Doubles - Semifinals

[2] A Peya (AUT) / B Soares (BRA) d [WC] D Ferrer (ESP) / J Ferrero (ESP) 62 76(3)
D Marrero (ESP) / F Verdasco (ESP) d S Gonzalez (MEX) / S Lipsky (USA) 63 46 10-7

ORDER OF PLAY -- SUNDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2012

AGORA start 4:00 pm
[1] D Ferrer (ESP) vs A Dolgopolov (UKR)
D Marrero (ESP) / F Verdasco (ESP) vs [2] A Peya (AUT) / B Soares (BRA)