World number five David Ferrer has won the Valencia Open on home turf with a 6-1 3-6 6-4 final victory over Ukraine’s Alexandr Dolgopolov.
The Spaniard, who hails from nearby Alicante, was made to work hard for his sixth tour title of the year, having dropped the second set, but eventually prevailed.
After the triumph, Ferrer admitted playing in front of his home crowd had made it difficult for him but dedicated the victory to Spanish former world number one Juan Carlos Ferrero who had made the event his final tournament.
“It’s always very difficult to play at home. I knew it would be more difficult to win the title again,” 2008 and 2010 Valencia Open champion Ferrer said.
“He’s a very talented opponent. I played aggressively and it went well for me.
“I want to dedicate the victory to Juan Carlos Ferrero on his farewell. He has given me the opportunity to grow as a person and as a player.”