David Ferrer claims Alexander Zverev’s scalp as Denis Shapovalov beats Dan Evans
The David Ferrer farewell tour is getting better and better with the Spaniard claiming a stunning win over Alexander Zverev at the Miami Open.
The 36-year-old will retire from tennis in May this year, but he showed that he can still beat the very best as he upset world No 3 Zverev 2-6, 7-5, 6-3 in the second round.
Are you sure you want to retire, David?@DavidFerrer87 beats Zverev 2-6 7-5 6-3 to record his first top 3 win in over 5 years#MiamiOpen pic.twitter.com/v921rZ12jI
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) March 24, 2019
“It means a lot,” Ferrer said after the match. “It’s a special day because it’s the last year of professional tennis for me. Winning these type of matches against a Top 10 player like Sascha is a gift. I’m very happy and I’m trying to enjoy every point and every moment.
“My motivation is playing at a high level and be competitive. It’s my goal. I can’t play at my best level anymore, but I want to have good energy and play my best in every match.”
He will face another youngster in the third round after 21-year-old Next Gen star Frances Tiafoe came through a gruelling encounter against Miomir Kecmanovic, winning 7-6 (8-6), 7-6 (7-5) in two hours and four minutes.
Meanwhile, Denis Shapovalov overcame a shaky start to beat Dan Evans 4-6, 6-1, 6-3 in just under two hours.
“I am really happy with the match. I knew going in that Dan is a really tough player,” Shapovalov said.
“I knew it was not going to be easy because I had lost to him twice before. I am going to take the win. For me it was going to be a really tough opening round.”
Grigor Dimitrov, playing in his first match since the Australian Open, made a solid start to his campaign as he beat Feliciano Lopez 6-1, 6-3 to set up a clash against Jordan Thompson from Australia.
