Vintage Ferrer Eyeing Fifth Auckland Title

David Ferrer plans to end his career the same way he’s competed for the past 20 years – with a fight.

The Spaniard breezed past Dutchman Robin Haase on Tuesday to reach the second round of the ASB Classic, 6-2, 6-1. The four-time champion (2007, 2011-13) hit 16 winners and broke Haase six times to improve to 32-9 in Auckland.

“I’m really happy I will have another chance to play again on this court, in Auckland. Thanks a lot for your support. It’s very emotional for me to be here,” Ferrer said on court. “My goal is to finish as best as possible. I am very happy with my game… I am trying to enjoy every time that I am on the court.”

The 36-year-old plans to retire after the Mutua Madrid Open in May. But he might take home a title or two before ending his career, which began at the turn of the millennium, in 2000.

Ferrer looked fresh against Haase, attacking the net and pinning the 2018 semi-finalist feet beyond the baseline. Haase, who led their FedEx ATP Head2Head series 2-0, spent much of the afternoon frustrated. He let that be known at 2-6, 1-3, when he let out a guttural roar to claps from the crowd. Ferrer will play Germany’s Jan-Lennard Struff for a spot in the quarter-finals.

Argentine Leonardo Mayer upset ninth seed Steve Johnson 7-5, 6-3. Mayer converted four of his 11 break points and will next face Italian Matteo Berrettini.