2011 Davis Cup – Team Spain: David Ferrer, Can he help bring USA down
Headlining Team Spain for the 2011 Davis Cup quarterfinals is world number six, David Ferrer from Spain. A phenomenon on clay, Ferrer is perhaps second to only Rafael Nadal on the red surface. Team Spain takes on Team U.S.A in
the quarterfinal round from 8th to 19th July. Team Spain had previously taken on Team Belgium in the first round, though Ferrer had not played any rubber then.
Although the Spaniard does not have any major shots compared to top ranking players, he is building up strongly with his aggressive footwork and his signature shot, the inside-out forehand, and is known as ‘The Wall’ because of
his agility and fitness.
Ferrer started the year at the Heineken Open as the number one seed. He defeated Tobias Kamke and Philipp Kohlschreiber to advance into the semi-finals, where he defeated Santiago Giraldo in a straight sets win before undoing David
Nalbandian in the title match to clinch his first title of the year.
Making his way to the Australian Open Ferrer undid Jarkko Nieminen, Michael Russell, Richard Berankis and Milos Raonic in the early rounds before undoing compatriot, Nadal in the quarterfinals. His first at the Australian Open,
Ferrer made a semi-final appearance though he fell to eventual runner-up Andy Murray.
Although the Spaniard made early exit from his next appearance on tour, Rotterdam, he made it big in the clay season. A seeded player at Monte Carlo and Barcelona, Ferrer made back-to-back final appearances though he lost to Nadal
on both occasions, failing to clinch a title win.
His run at the twin Grand Slams, the Roland Garros and Wimbledon were not as impressive either. Making it to the fourth round on both occasions, he was ousted by Frenchman Gael Monfils and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga respectively.
The world number six had already made his mark in the Australian Open by making it to the semi-finals. His performance has been consistent throughout. Determined to shine now in the Davis Cup quarterfinals at the end of the week,
Ferrer expected to take on Andy Roddick. Perhaps not an easy opponent, the Spaniard is enjoying a better form than the American and is expected to sail to a straight sets victory. Considered as the best returner in the men’s game, Ferrer has currently won
13 matches and lost 4 in his Davis Cup run. Winning 10 matches on clay, he is currently the strongest player on clay for the tie against USA.
USA and Spain have an all time head-to-head record of 5-4. With such a close score, Team USA is coming with their two top ten player, Mardy Fish and Roddick. Though the Spanish team was unable to retain their title in 2010, the
addition of the Nadal in the first round increased their chances considerably. However, the King of Clay’s absence may put Team Spain in danger this weekend.
Tags: