Tennis: Spaniard Ferrer to return for 13th shot

David Ferrer in action. Photo / Doug Sherring

ASB Classic stalwart David Ferrer will start his 18th season on the ATP Tour in Auckland.

The 35-year-old Spaniard sits alongside Australian Roy Emerson as the tournament's most successful champion — having won four titles in the City of Sails, his first in 2007, followed by victories in 2011, 2012 and 2013.

"It is always nice for me to come back to Auckland. It has been such a big part of my career. Somewhere almost like home for me. I have played some of my best tennis there and it will always be very special for me," Ferrer said.

In addition to his four titles, Ferrer has made three semifinal and three quarter-final appearances in his 12 previous visits.

"We have been so privileged to have a player like David for such a long time. His loyalty has been unrivalled and personally I think he deserves a key to the city," tournament boss Karl Budge said.

"He is probably the player we are asked about most if he will be returning. He is loved by fans here and maybe this will be their last time to see someone who is very special for us in Auckland."

Ferrer has won 27 titles in his 17 years on tour, reached a career high ranking of No3 in the world and won the ATP Tour Finals in 2012.

He sits seventh on the all-time leading prizemoney list.

Ferrer is said to be one of the best players to never win a grand slam. He has been right there with the top four players — Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray — for the last decade. While a grand slam might be out of his reach now, a fifth ASB Classic isn't and the Spaniard is gunning to make that happen.

"Maybe I have one more title there," said Ferrer.

The men's field is now taking shape with four former champions returning (Ferrer, Jack Sock, John Isner and Roberto Bautista-Agut) and four next generation players (Denis Shapovalov, Andrey Rublev, Hyeon Chung, Karen Khachanov) confirmed for the January event.

"With the likes of Ferrer and Bautista not going to be in our top four seeds, the opening days are going to have some intense battles," said Budge.

All of our young stars, hopefully a Kiwi and possibly three former champions will all have to play Monday and Tuesday. Imagine a Shapovalov versus Ferrer battle on opening night."

• The ASB Classic will span for two weeks; the women's tournament from January 1-6 followed by the men's from January 8-13.