Photo: Ron C. Angle
David Ferrer ended Marcos’ campaign at the Mutua Madrilena Madrid Open in the second round on Wednesday evening as he saved one match point to prevail 1-6, 6-3, 7-5 in two hours and 38 minutes.
In a tremendous opening set from Marcos, he reeled off five straight games to seal a one-set lead, having saved three break points himself in the opening stages. However, Ferrer responded immediately with a service break at the start of the second set, improved play from the Spaniard forcing errors from Marcos.
Marcos’ hard work and determination paid off in the seventh game as he engineered a break back in the seventh game, but his respite was short-lived as Ferrer continued to attack Marcos’ serve and was able to break again for a 5-3 lead after a lengthy game. He then closed out the set on serve to level the match.
In a final set full of twists and turns, Marcos looked to have earned the decisive breakthrough when a wonderful forehand winner earned him three break points in the sixth game and he was able to convert as Federer over hit a forehand. Marcos led 40/0 in the following game but was unable to secure a 5-3 lead as Ferrer fought back and, with the crowd behind him, was able to break back.
Marcos held one match point in the 10th game with Ferrer serving at 4-5, 30/40, but excellent play from the ninth seed saw him deny Marcos with a forehand drop volley under pressure. With the momentum firmly on his side, Ferrer went on to hold serve before breaking Marcos one final time and closing out a dramatic victory.
In his final preparation for Roland Garros, Marcos will play at the ATP World Tour 250 tournament in Nice next week.
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