Ferrer beats Almagro for his 13th title

BUENOS AIRES-Reuters

David Ferrer of Spain lifts up the trophy after defeating Nicolas Almagro. Reuters photo

World number five David Ferrer claimed his 13th career title with a 4-6 6-3 6-2 victory over fellow Spaniard and 2011 winner Nicolas Almagro in the Buenos Aires Open final on Sunday.

Top seed Ferrer, runner-up to compatriot Juan Carlos Ferrero in 2010, recovered from dropping his only set of the tournament to improve his head-to-head record against world number 11 Almagro to 9-0.

“I’m really happy, this was an account I had pending. This title is something very important to me,” Ferrer said. “I’ll be back, for sure,” Ferrer told fans at the claycourt tournament at the Buenos Aires Lawn tennis Club, confirming he would return to defend the title next year.

World number 11 Almagro, who has 11 titles all on clay, said Ferrer deserved his victory as the better player on the day. “I played pretty well. Against another rival I might have won,” the 26-year-old said.