Ferrer wins in Malaysia for 25th title

Top seed David Ferrer clinched his 25th career title on Sunday, beating fellow Spaniard Feliciano Lopez 7-5 7-5 to win the Malaysian Open in Kuala Lumpur.

The match was tightly contested but Ferrer’s determination and deep forehands ultimately proved too much for Lopez.

“It was my best match of the tournament and my best performance here in Malaysia,” the world No.8 told reporters.

“I was consistent with my game and am happy with the victory. My serve was good today and it needed to be because Feliciano pressured me today.”

Ferrer netted victories in Qatar, Rio and Mexico before Sunday’s Malaysian triumph, winning all four finals contested this year.

“It’s been a good year for me, winning all the finals. But I remember two years ago, I lost in five finals and the statistics have changed,” said Ferrer who pockets $US170,600 ($A242,650) in prize money.

“I have to enjoy this moment. When I end my career, I won’t have any of this anymore.”

The match was Ferrer’s 50th tour-level final. Others who have attained the feat are Rafa Nadal, Andy Murray, Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer.

Ferrer’s journey to win the Malaysian title included a two-hour battle to overcome unseeded semi-finalist Benjamin Becker from Germany.

Second seed Lopez said a change of balls in the first set had affected his rhythm.

“I made some fantastic points in the first game, but a change of balls changed the momentum,” he said.

“I was playing aggressive but, after that, he was more consistent and it was difficult for me to win the points.”

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