Standing Ovation

Reuters

Nine years after he first won back-to-back titles on the ATP tour -- Nine. Years. -- Juan Carlos Ferrero does it again. Rallying from a set down, he outlasted compatriot David Ferrer 5-7, 6-4, 6-3 in a final that could easily end the year as one of the best. Last Sunday, he won the Brasil Open.

“I feel unbelievable after winning two weeks in a row,” Ferrero said after the match. “It is a great feeling. I think the key to my current success is the physical work I have done. I have been working very hard and I know that I can be on the court forever. That helps my game a lot because I get to the ball much earlier and can be more aggressive.

“This also helps me mentally. I feel very strong and know that I have more resources now when playing important points. I have been working with a friend on the mental aspect and all is coming into place.”

Consider that the 30-year-old former Roland Garros champion and world No. 1 won his first title in 6 years just last season. Consider that the Spaniard had to battle a debilitating bout with chicken pox during the prime of his championship career. Consider that he has been regarded as nothing more than expensive wallpaper in the tapestry of the Spanish Armada ever since falling out of the Top 10 years ago.

“My goal is to get back to the Top 10. This victory makes me believe in this goal. I don’t have much to defend in Acapulco, Indian Wells and Miami so I hope I will do well, get extra points and move up in the rankings.”

I remain on my feet applauding wildly.

Bravo, Mister Ferrero.

Other champions this weekend include:


Reuters

Micheal Llodra holds aloft the Open 13 trophy after dismissing compatriot Julien Benneateau in the final. Afterward, he and his vanquished foe won the doubles title.


Reuters

Sam Querrey holds aloft the Regions Morgan Tennis Championships trophy after dismissing compatriot John Isner in the final. Afterward, he and his vanquished foe won the doubles title.

Is there an echo in here?

Still can't believe Isner, up 5-2 in the second set tiebreak, choked so badly. Well, yes I can. The top American male players could all benefit from an injection of mental fortitude.

Reuters

If you go to Memphis instead of Dubai, which I really have no issue with, you better win. Maria Sharapova routed Swedish qualifier Sofia Arvidsson 6-2, 6-1 to take the Regions Morgan Tennis Championships crown yesterday.

Is yellow the official color of the WTA this year?