With retirement in sight, David Ferrer excited to play in Auckland again
is excited to make his comeback to the ASB Classic in Auckland. The Spanish player won the title four times there in 2007, 2012, 2013 and 2014 and he looks forward to competing in the event for the last time in his career as in May, at the Mutua Madrid Open he will retire from professional tennis.
In an interview to local reporters, Ferrer said that the kindness of the organizers and fans was the reason why he decided to include Auckland in the list of the five ATP tournaments he will play this year besides Buenos Aires, Acapulco, Barcelona and just Madrid.
Last week, he played the Hopman Cup for the first time in his career with Garbine Muguruza. In Auckland, Ferrer said: The people always treat me like a New Zealand guy and that is one reason why I am here. Last year, I had five or six priorities to play and Auckland was one of them.
Ive played 14 years here in Auckland. Of course, its a different language, different culture, but my feeling when I am here, I am very happy and comfortable. For me, it is [usually] very difficult to be comfortable in a country where the language is different.
Ferrer concluded: I am very happy to play one of my favourite tournaments to play one last time. It will be a tough match for sure but its nice to have the chance to play on centrecourt once more.
Ferrer, who received a wild card to play Auckland had a good start to the tournament as he defeated Robin Haase in straight sets 6-2, 6-1. ALSO READ: Rafael Nadal: Worse players than David Ferrer won a Grand Slam title
