World No.5 David Ferrer – it seems a faintly underwhelming term which should speak volumes in an era of men’s tennis dominated by four men.
But the softly spoken Spaniard says he shouldn’t be underestimated after reaching the semi-finals at the French Open for a second straight year, particularly with Roger Federer out, courtesy of next opponent Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, while Andy Murray is injured.
Ferrer might not have the cachet of defending champion Rafael Nadal or top seed Novak Djokovic, the other members of the top four who dominate the game.
Yet, he has won all five Paris encounters in straight sets, spending just nine hours on court.
The 31-year-old, beaten in last year’s semi-finals by Nadal, stands second only to the seven-time champion on the Spanish all-time list of grand slam match winners – including Tuesday’s thrashing of compatriot Tommy Robredo for the loss of just four games.
Sixth seed Tsonga’s 7-5 6-3 6-3 rout of Federer suggests the semi again marks Ferrer’s Roland Garros high watermark.
However, Tsonga will be wary.
“David is a very good player and he beat me a few times. I expect a tough match but I’m in good shape and I will just do my best and see how it goes,” said Tsonga.
Ferrer won seven titles last season to finish in the world top 10 for a fourth time while, earlier this year, he landed his 20th singles title in Buenos Aires for his 10th triumph on clay.
“I am really up for this meeting with Tsonga. It’s my second semi-final at Roland Garros and it’s a very important juncture of my career,” Ferrer said.
“It’s normal the crowd will be rooting for Tsonga. But you have to shut out the crowd. I feel in really good form and great shape which is important.”
Ferrer beat his French rival in Rome in 2010 and again on hardcourt in Paris last autumn on his way to the title but lost in the round of 16 at 2011 Wimbledon.
Three years older than 28-year-old Tsonga, who will be competing in his first Roland Garros semi-final – the Frenchman was Australian Open runner-up five years ago – Ferrer says the veterans are increasingly having their day with 30 no longer seen as their basic use-by date.