Former world number three, David Ferrer of Spain, has bid an emotional farewell to tennis. Ferrer played his last competitive match at the Madrid Masters in the Spanish capital. He lost to German third seed, Alexander Zverev, in straight sets in the second round.
Ferrer has chosen to conclude his 19-year long career in front of his home fans in Madrid. His match against Zverev was to be his last under the glare of the tennis world. Although he initially gave the German some concern in the first set leading 4-1 at one stage.
Zverev prevailed to record a 6-4, 6-1 victory in 70 minutes although the defending champion bagged the win. The night belonged to Ferrer, who won 27 tour-level titles, including 15 on clay.
Surrounded by his family and friends, Ferrer, as he is affectionately called, received an emotional send-off.
“I will never play again in a tennis centre court, but I enjoy a lot this way, so now it’s time to rest and enjoy other things with my family, because I love this sport,” says Ferrer.
Earlier 2nd seed, Rafael Nadal, impressed against promising youngster, Felix Auger Aliassime of Canada. Nadal secured a 6-3, 6-3 win and will face young American, Frances Tiafoe next.
Yeah, tough one. He is the type of player, he is electric, he’s fast, he can play very aggressively, so I have to play my best,” says Nadal.
Greek star, Stefanos Tsitsipas, also advanced. The 8th seed beat Frenchman, Adrian Mannarino in straight sets to book his place in the third round against Spaniard, Fernando Verdasco.
Verdasco, meanwhile, caused a slight upset on day three. The Spaniard defeated Russian 11th seed, Karen Khachanov, in three sets.
