Ferrer and Raonic romp into MWTC semis

Sport360 staff 21:32 31/12/2015
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  • Ferrer (l) and Raonic.

    World number 7 David Ferrer dispatched French favourite Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in straight sets and Canada’s Milos Raonic beat world number 12 Kevin Anderson on day one of the 2016 Mubadala World Tennis Championships on Thursday.

    In the first match of the three day tournament, Ferrer showed all his class to push past Tsonga in an entertaining opener. With both players settling quickly in the opening exchanges and the first three games going with serve, it was Ferrer who took the initiative by registering an early break and accelerating through the games.

    Taking the first set 6-1 Ferrer looked pacy, agile and hungry for victory as he battered back definitive returns to every one of Tsonga’s intelligently placed shots. After laying down a firm marker in the first, it was more of the same from Ferrer in the second set as he won the first five games before sealing victory 6-1, 6-1.

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    The comprehensive win sets up a highly anticipated all-Spanish semi-final on day two against fourteen-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal in Abu Dhabi.

    “It’s not easy, the first match of the new season but I am happy with the result. That said, I think it’s fair to say it wasn’t Jo’s best day today. I’ve benefitted from time in Valencia pre-season with a lot of fitness and feel I’m getting better all the time,” said Ferrer.

    “It’s good for me to be able to test myself against Rafa tomorrow and be able to improve and work some things. I’m guaranteed another two matches now which is perfect and what all the players want and need at the beginning of the season.”

    The second match of the tournament between Abu Dhabi debutants Anderson and Raonic was exactly the heavy hitting battle it promised.

    The first six games of the match went with their respective big serves as the duo sounded each other out, but it was Raonic who was able to create the first opportunity, securing a break at 3-3 and powering to a 6-3 first set win.

    In the second set Raonic again engineered the first break to move ahead 4-2, going on to win in straight sets 6-3, 6-4.

    “It’s a great way to start the next season. I’m very happy and did the basics well – I served well and moved well, so it’s great,” said Raonic.

    “I feel as close to 100% as I’ve been in a long time so that’s positive. That’s confirmation that the work I’ve done in the off season and I feel like I was improving all the time.”

    Ahead of his semi-final clash with Stan Wawrinka, Raonic added: “It’s going to be a tough match and I’ve had poor results against him in the past. But it’s a new year and a new chance so I’m looking forward to it.

    “I feel like if I do things right, return well, serve well, I think that’s where my tennis starts and if I can get it to be played on my terms I can do quite well.”

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