1 Response to rg03ferrero_verkerk

1. Voo de Mar says:

   December 24, 2023 at 1:32 pm

   Points won by each set: | 31-17, 31-24, 40-27 |
   Points won directly behind the serve:
   28 % Ferrero – 20 of 70
   24 % Verkerk – 24 of 100

   Verkerk [46] began the final on his serve with two net-cords… Actually the only interesting moment occurred in the mid-3rd set when the Dutchman held after 8 deuces saving six break points and had two break points in the following game to level at 3 games apiece. Ferrero [3] finished the tournament with his trademark shot – a blistering cross-court forehand. The Spaniard fulfilled his destiny after two French Open semifinals and a final in his previous three appearances.
   Verkerk repeated the feat of Mikael Pernfors from 1986, so advanced to the French Open final being actually unknown a year before, not being young in tennis terms. 23-year-old Pernfors played his 17th main-level event advancing to the final in Paris, 25-year-old Verkerk played in Paris his event no. 28… the main difference between them: the Dutchman had a huge experience at the lower professional levels (Futures, Challengers) while the Swede in the college tennis. During the tournaments of their lives, they both experienced the toughest matches in the second round.

   Ferrero’s route to his 10th title:
   1 Michel Kratochvil 7-5, 7-5, 6-4
   2 Nicolas Massu 6-2, 3-0 ret.
   3 Tim Henman 4-6, 6-2, 6-4, 6-2
   4 Felix Mantilla 6-2, 6-1, 6-1
   Q Fernando Gonzalez 6-1, 3-6, 6-1, 5-7, 6-4
   S Albert Costa 6-3, 7-6(5), 6-4
   W Martin Verkerk 6-1, 6-3, 6-2

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