BASTAD, July 23, 2017

David Ferrer captured his 27th ATP World Tour title, his third at the SkiStar Swedish Open in Bastad, following his triumphs in 2007 and 2012. He joins Swedes Magnus Gustafsson (4), Mats Wilander (3) and Bjorn Borg (3) as the only players to win the title at the beach resort on three or more occasions in the Open Era.

The Spanish veteran defeated Aleksandr Dolgopolov from the Ukraine in Sunday’s final 6-4, 6-4. Ferrer won 70 per cent of his first service points and broke serve three times to seal victory in one hour and 26 minutes.

“It’s been two years that I haven’t won a tournament, so I’m really happy for this win,” said Ferrer. “I was a little nervous up 5-1 and Alexandr played without pressure. I tried to be focused on every point, but when I had all those match points I was thinking too much.

“I am going week by week, match by match and I still have the motivation. I know it will very difficult to get back to the Top 10, but if I stay competitive like this week, I will play next year for sure. I still enjoy playing tennis, but it’s different as I am 35 years old.”

Knowle/Petzschner Clinch Doubles Title

Earlier in the day, Julian Knowle and Philipp Petzschner took the doubles title. The Austrian-German-combination fought past Dutch tandem of Sander Arends and Matwe Middelkoop 6-2, 3-6, 10-7. The final lasted one hour and 10 minutes.

“It was an amazing week,” said Petzschner. “Coming in, Julian had won in Braunschweig and we just kept hanging in there. It’s a lovely tournament and it’s a great way to finish it. I wasn’t even sure if I could play tennis again (after shoulder surgery), but now I have a title which feels great. Now we’re undefeated so let’s see what happens in the future.”

Knowle added: “We were fighting and hung in there. We made life more difficult than it should have been, but there’s no complaints when you win. I’m very happy to get the win.”

Photo Gallery (by Brigitte Urban)