Valencia, Spain (Sports Network) - David Ferrer of Spain and the Ukraine's
Alexandr Dolgopolov were semifinal winners Saturday and will meet for the
title at the Valencia Open.
The top-seeded Ferrer labored through the first two sets before rolling in the
third to earn a 6-4, 6-7 (5-7), 6-1 victory over Croatia's Ivan Dodig in the
first semifinal, before Dolgopolov eliminated Austrian veteran Jurgen Melzer
with a 6-4, 6-2 decision.
Ferrer will play in the Valencia final for a fourth time on Sunday and will
try for his third title at his hometown tournament. He previously won in 2008
and again in 2010, while finishing as the runner-up in 2005.
The Spaniard has already won five titles in 2012, the last coming at Bastad in
July. He also won in Auckland, Buenos Aires, Acapulco and Den Bosch, while
falling in the Barcelona final to countrymate Rafael Nadal.
Dolgopolov has one title this year, capturing the U.S. Open tune-up in
Washington, DC. He also lost to Andy Murray in the Brisbane title match back
in January and owns a record of 2-2 all-time in finals.
Ferrer, who is 16-15 lifetime in title matches, is 4-1 lifetime against
Dolgopolov.
Sunday's winner will earn a first prize of $445,000.
The Sports Network