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.
"There is not a better feeling then ending a tournament on a win," a delighted Ferrer told reporters. 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.
"I played good today and very focused, this is perhaps the best week I have ever had," said Ferrer, who is good friends with Almagro on the tour and practised with him and Almagro's coach Antonio Gonzalez during the week.
"We did some warming up together before the match, maybe Nicolas was a little bit nervous today. "I came alone to the tournament without my coach (Javier Piles) so Antonio helped me out a little during the week," said Ferrer.
"Not for the final, though," he added with a smile.
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. "I haven't looked at it (the competition) yet, I'll just enjoy this win today."