David Ferrer outclassed his Spanish compatriot Nicolas Almagro in the Swedish Open final on Sunday, winning 6-1 6-2 to clinch his fourth career title.
It was the second seed's third win over Almagro in as many meetings but the first on clay. Last year, Ferrer beat Almagro at the Cincinnati Masters and the U.S. Open.
A delighted Ferrer told reporters: ‘There is not a better feeling then ending a tournament on a win.’
On a sunny day after most of the tournament had been filled with rain interruptions, Ferrer took command from the start by forcing an impatient Almagro into long rallies, breaking him in the opening game and again to 4-1 and 6-1.
Almagro, whose usually good serving let him down, was broken again as Ferrer went 2-0 up in the second set before wrapping up victory in one hour eight minutes.
Ferrer – who is good friends with Almagro on the Tour and practiced with him and Almagro’s coach Antonio Gonzalez during the week – said: ‘I played good today and very focused.
‘For focus, this is perhaps the best week I have ever had.
‘We did some warming up together before the match. Maybe Nicolas was a little bit nervous today.’
Ferrer said: ‘I came alone to the tournament without my coach (Javier Piles) so Antonio helped me out a little during the week.’
He added with a smile: ‘Not for the final, though.’
The Bastad win was the second title this year for 25-year-old Ferrer, who also won in Auckland in January.
Ferrer next travels to Stuttgart, where he will be the defending champion.
He commented: ‘I haven't looked at it (the competition) yet, I'll just enjoy this win today.’
