AFP, SHANGHAI
Spain's David Ferrer trounced Andy Roddick in straight sets yesterday to reach the Masters Cup final on debut.
The sixth-ranked Ferrer out-rallied, out-volleyed and out-ran the static American, who needed medical treatment to his lower back, winningv 6-1, 6-3 in one hour and 12 minutes.
PHOTO: AP
It was another superb display by Ferrer, who had topped his group with wins over Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, the world No. 2 and No. 3, and Richard Gasquet.
"I don't know if I've seen someone move like that," said the flabbergasted Roddick. "This week is above what I've seen from him before. The way he's beating guys comfortably is impressive."
Ferrer produced three winners from the baseline before Roddick blinked for the opening break, prompting calls of "Andy, wake up!" from the crowd.
The American was broken again before calling for the physio, but he was powerless against Ferrer's accurate shot-making, including a stunning lob, finally giving up the set with a double fault.
Ferrer found an unthinkable running cross-court winner and planted a backhand past the advancing American to go 4-2 up in the second set and then saved three break points, his first and last of the match, to consolidate.
Serving at 5-3 , a mild attack of nerves delayed the inevitable before Ferrer converted his third match point when Roddick put a backhand into the net.
"It's my first Masters Cup final -- I want to enjoy this moment," Ferrer said.
Ferrer is playing his first Masters Cup while Roddick was making his fourth appearance after also reaching the semi-finals in 2003 and 2004 and pulling out injured in 2005.
The Spaniard boasted the tournament's best record in the round-robin stage, beating Djokovic and Gasquet in straight sets and handing a shock defeat to close friend Nadal.
Roddick returned from an ankle injury to register convincing wins over Nikolay Davydenko and Fernando Gonzalez before falling to Swiss nemesis Federer, whom he has not beaten since 2003.
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