2012-06-23 08:15:31
The top-seeded Ferrer, who previously won this event in 2008, notched a 6-3,
6-4 triumph for his 15th career title and fourth this year. The Spaniard won
tournaments in Auckland, Buenos Aires and Acapulco, and was the runner-up in
Barcelona earlier this year.
In addition, Ferrer has been strong in Grand Slam play this year with each of
his losses in the major championships coming against the eventual champions.
He lost to Novak Djokovic in the quarterfinals of the Australian Open, and was
a semifinal loser to Rafael Nadal at the French Open earlier this month.
'I'm very, very happy,' said Ferrer, whose four titles match Nadal and Roger
Federer for most on tour this year. 'I've won two times here. This is special
for me because grass is maybe my worst surface. On a clay court or hard court,
my game is more adapted.'
After this grass title, Ferrer will head to Wimbledon next week with more
confidence. He'll be the seventh seed at the All England Club and will open
his stay in London against Germany's Dustin Brown.
Petzschner was trying for his second career title. His only tournament victory
came four years ago in Vienna. He was also a runner-up last year at the
Wimbledon tune-up in Halle. Slovenia's Blaz Kavcic awaits him in the first
round at Wimbledon.
Saturday marked the first meeting between Ferrer and Petzschner.
'I made too many mistakes today,' noted Petzschner. 'If I want to beat him, I
have to play at my highest level. But I'm happy with the week. I played really
good tennis.'
Ferrer, who improved to 15-15 all-time in finals, earned a first prize of
$86,250.