Ferrer standing taller than ever at 30

 

Originally published on: 07/09/12 00:00

The world No.5 has already picked up five titles in 2012 and took another positive step after edging Janko Tipsarevic in a five set epic to reach his second Grand Slam semi-final of the year at the US Open. Seeking to add to his titles in Bastad, s-Hertogenbosch, Acapulco, Buenos Aires and Auckland before the year is out, the Spaniard is in no doubt about the factors that have helped play a part in his recent fortunes.

“I don’t have, never in my career, important injuries,” Ferrer said. “I’m playing with great confidence. I am older. I don’t have too much pressure [like] when I was 20-years-old. I’m enjoying playing tennis. I have much more experience than other years.”

Ferrer has beaten Kevin Anderson, Igor Sijsling, Lleyton Hewitt, Richard Gasquet and Janko Tipsarevic en route to his fourth career Grand Slam semi-final, adding to his efforts in reaching the last four at this year’s French Open, the 2011 Australian Open and the 2007 US Open.

“Now I’m in the semi-finals I want to enjoy this moment,” added the 30-year-old right-hander, who faces Novak Djokovic on Saturday night. “Of course, my next opponent is an amazing player. I will try to do my best and I will try to fight. I will have to play my best tennis to beat [him].”

Ferrer has won five of his 13 career ties with Djokovic and the defending champion is not underestimating the size of the obstacle in front of him despite prevailing in all three of their past Grand Slam meetings in straight sets.

“David is a fighter,” said the world No.2. “He’s one of the biggest competitors we have in the game. People do not talk too much [about him]. They overlook him. But he has been one of the most consistent players on the tour. He plays great on every surface and you need to earn your points against him.”

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