Former Champion Ferrer Opens Bastad Campaign With Win

David Ferrer (photo: Brigitte Urban)

BASTAD, July 18, 2017

Two-time Bastad champion David Ferrer, who is making his 10th appearance at the ATP 250 event, headlined Tuesday’s first round actio at the SkiStar Swedish Open. The eighth seed from Spain defeated Argentine qualifier Federico Delbonis 6-3, 6-4.

Ferrer, who captured the title here in 2007 and 2012, saved 11 of the 14 break points he faced, capitalizing on five of his own to advance in one hour and 44 minutes. Next up for Ferrer will be Dustin Brown, who beat Thomaz Bellucci from Brazil 6-4, 6-3.

Ferrer will be joined in the second round by fellow Spaniard Fernando Verdasco. The two-time Bastad finalist edged past Swedish wild card entry Elias Ymer, who has already been on the site for a week reaching the quarterfinals at the Bastad Challenger, 4-6, 6-3, 6-4. Verdasco finished the encounter in just under two hours of play to face Facundo Bagnis next.

The 27-year-old from Argentina rallied from a set down to overcome former World No. 2 Tommy Haas, who entered the tournament with a wild card. Bagnis sent down eight aces, winning 77 per cent of his first service points to seal a 6-7, 6-3, 6-2 victory in two hours and 28 minutes.

Photo Gallery (by Brigitte Urban):