Tennis: David Ferrer staying positive in twilight of career

David Ferrer in action at the ASB Classic in Auckland last year. Photo / Doug Sherring

If David Ferrer is on his farewell tour this year, then it's appropriate he begins it in Auckland.

The Spaniard has become synonymous with the men's tournament here over the years and is one of the most popular players to grace the Stanley St courts.

That's partly because of his outstanding achievements in New Zealand — he will be gunning for a record fifth title this year — but also because of his incredible loyalty and conduct.

For many years, Ferrer was a regular in the top five, even as high as No3 for a period, and could have chased other more lucrative options.

But he kept returning to Auckland, and one year arrived for two days of shaking hands and appearances even though he'd been forced to withdraw from the event.

And the 35-year-old is back again, even though his days on the ATP tour are surely coming to a close.

"I feel good, really happy to come back again to Auckland one more time," said Ferrer. "I always appreciate being here. I don't know how many more times I'll be here, but for me I'll try to enjoy this week."

He's ranked 37 in the world, after a difficult 2017 season. After a third round exit at the Australian Open, he fell at the first hurdle in the next four tournaments, often against players that he had previously mastered. The clay and grass swings had minimal returns — highlighted by a run to the semifinals in Estoril — before his year turned around in Sweden.

"I began the year not really good, losing a lot of matches without enjoying playing tennis too much," said Ferrer. "But in the summer I won a tournament in Bastad. I improved my game, my mentality and I'm healthy and that's the most important thing now in my career."

Ferrer was revived by the Scandinavian victory. He reached the second week in Montreal, beating defending Auckland champion Jack Sock on the way before losing to Swiss Roger Federer in three sets, then made the semifinals in Cincinnati, with world No8 Dominic Thiem, of Austria, one of his victims.

It seems like Ferrer has been around for ever — he is one of only four active players with more than 700 match wins — and he has had to adjust his game to compete. Traditionally a renowned counter puncher, Ferrer has brought more aggression into his game.

"Tennis is changing every year, it's improving," said Ferrer. "I know now I don't have the same fitness, but I have to do different things, like play more aggressively in moments, improve the consistency with my serve."

He seems like someone who has accepted his place in the tennis world — though noting the adjustment to being outside the top echelon was difficult at first.

"It's normal [to be ranked 37]," said Ferrer. "I accept that, I'm 35 years old, I have been in the top 10, top 20 for a lot of years and now I appreciate that. Maybe last year I was frustrated about my ranking, but now I am positive because I'm still motivated to improve my ranking and that's important. I have different pressures, because I don't have the same ranking I had two years ago, but I have different things and I will try to enjoy my new position."

Ferrer faces wildcard Wu Yibing in the first round. The Chinese, seen as a player on the rise, is ranked 307.