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Djokovic beats Ferrer for his 12th ATP tour title
(China Daily)
Updated: 2009-03-02 10:32

Good start

Djokovic made a good start to the second set, breaking to lead 2-0 when Ferrer again netted a low volley.


Novak Djokovic of Serbia returns the ball to David Ferrer of Spain during their final match at the ATP Dubai Tennis Championships, February 28, 2009. [Agencies] 

Ferrer, who was seeking his first title since winning S'Hertogenbosch last year, appeared to be heading to an easy defeat as he trailed 4-1 but he pulled himself back into contention by breaking for 4-3.

A double-fault cost him his serve in the next game and left Djokovic to serve out the match.

In a dramatic finale Ferrer then held a break point but made a forehand error and Djokovic clinched victory when he disputed a serve that was called wide but Hawkeye showed it to be an ace.

"I was a bit fortunate in the last game that he missed that forehand on the break ball, because he was returning quite impressive, that game on 5-3," said Djokovic.

"But I stayed with him. I knew that I had a chance on his service games all the time because I was returning really well, and I just needed to keep my focus on my serve.

"And it worked well, especially in the last moments in the last point."

Ferrer was pleased with his week and acknowledged that his opponent had been a worthy winner.

"Well, he plays better than me. He played very, very focused on the match," said Ferrer.

"I played a good game. I'm happy with my game, but maybe the key was he's a better tennis player than me. He was really fast, very regular. And the serve, he has a better serve than me in important moments, and the serve was the key, the only difference."

Agencies