Rio Open, Brazil

Men’s Final: [CR9] David Ferrer (ESP) vs. [CR28] Fabio Fognini (ITA)

Ferrer kept his undefeated streak against Fognini going with an easy 6-2, 6-3 victory.  He outran and outplayed Fognini, something Nadal was unable to do yesterday.  Unlike Nadal, he trusted in his ability to defeat Fognini knowing he had never lost to him. Fognini again started the match slowly, hoping that he could turn the tide against Ferrer like he did against Nadal; however, Ferrer completely foiled his attempt to mount some resistance in the second set.

There were some brilliant points from both players. What Ferrer lacked in creative shot making, he made up with his amazing foot speed, getting to the majority of the amazing shots executed by Fognini.  Fognini should be pleased though, despite the loss.  His interest seems to have returned and he appears once again to be willing to put in the work necessary to get the victory even when the odds are stacked against him. Hopefully he will build on this and have a successful 2015 season; however, with Fognini one never knows what he will bring to the court.  He can be such a brilliant player if he ever learned to leave all the psychological luggage at home.