David Ferrer, so often the forgotten man of the world’s top ten, made a heartening start to the new season by winning the Qatar Open title on Saturday, defeating Tomas Berdych, 6-4, 7-5.
The 32-year-old fourth seed saved three set points in the second set against Berdych, the third-seeded former Wimbledon finalist, whose big weapons sometimes threatened to sweep all before him.
But Ferrer, diligent, fast and better focussed, made the best of his talents — despite having to work hard to survive from within two points of defeat against Ivo Karlovic the previous day — and proved that he can still be a high level contender with the 22nd title of his career.