Murray Beats Ferrer in Vienna for 30th Career Title

October 20, 2014 | By Long Island Tennis Magazine Staff
Andy_Murray (14)_0
Photo credit: Calvin Rhoden

Andy Murray helped his chances of reaching the ATP Finals by picking up his 30th career title on Sunday. The resurgent scot knocked off fellow ATP Finals hopeful David Ferrer 5-7, 6-2, 7-5 to win the Erste Bank Open in a thrilling finish.

Murray led 2-0 in the final frame before squandering away his break advantage. The top-seeded Ferrer fought back and led 5-3 in the deciding set, but Murray rattled off four straight games with the final one coming on his ninth ace of the afternoon.

“It always feels good to win a tournament,” said Murray. “The third set, especially, was very back and forth so mentally it was quite a tough match. I just managed to be a little bit more consistent toward the end, a little bit more aggressive.”

Murray becomes the fifth active player with 30 or more titles, joining Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Lleyton Hewitt on that list. The win also bumps him ahead of both Ferrer and Milos Raonic for the eighth and final spot in the Race to London.

Ferrer currently sits ninth behind Murray, while Raonic dropped to 10th following his second-round exit at the Kremlin Cup.

“Andy played more aggressively than I did in the crucial moments and he deserved to win. Of course, I am disappointed as I lost the match having had a 5-3 lead,” said Ferrer. “I have a chance [to qualify]. There are two more weeks, which are important to get to London. I will try and be more positive next week.”

Ferrer has a quick turnover as he will be the top seed in the Valencia Open 500 which starts this week.  A deep run in the tournament in his home country would go a long way towards his chances of being one of the final eight in London.

Murray will be the third-seed in Valencia.

 


Long Island Tennis Magazine Staff
Pointset
Bethpage

March/April 2024 Digital Edition