Millennium Estoril Open, Portugal

[31] David Ferrer (ESP) vs. [426] Frederico Ferreira Silva (POR)

While it was not a top one hundred opponent, Ferrer will take the 6-3, 6-4 victory and try to build on that.  Once a top ten player for many years, Ferrer is now facing the trials of regaining his game and his confidence after a string of injuries have taken a toll on his body.  No longer in his twenties and very much dependent on his mobility, he is finding it very difficult.  Since the season began he has gotten past the second round on only one occasion and he has not won a title since October 2015.

He is hoping that the softer surface will aid his game and be less traumatic on his body, but so far that has not been the case.  This is his first match won on clay for the season and he desperately needed it.  Coming up at the end of this month is the second Major of the year, Roland Garros, and everyone except Rafael Nadal, Albert Ramos Vinolas and Dominic Thiem, are trying to gain some valuable match wins on this surface.

Clay is the surface that truly tests the fitness of the players.  It is not solely a physical test, it demands a certain mental strength to structure your points and to stay in the extended rallies required to win the points.  If your body is injured in any way, it not only impacts the physical aspect of your game it takes a mental toll as well. You are distracted, wondering if your body will be able to withstand the demands of a 28 shot rally or getting to the drop shots that your opponent has decided to employ to defeat you.  Ferrer is finding this out now and despite the results, he is a fighter and will continue to give 100%.

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