Ferrer in form but underdog Statham stuns Chung in Auckland

Four-time champion David Ferrer cruised through the opening round of the Auckland Classic yesterday but South Korea’s Chung Hyeon suffered a stunning loss to local underdog Rubin “Jose” Statham. Ferrer, 36, has retired from Grand Slams but the former world number three is making a few appearances at his favourite ATP tournaments in 2019, with Auckland first on the list.

The Spaniard brushed aside Dutchman Robin Haase 6-2, 6-1 to ease into the second round and must be regarded as a real chance of winning a record fifth title in this year’s depleted Auckland field. Defending champion Roberto Bautista Agut has pulled out of the event along with Tomas Berdych and Gael Monfils, leaving top seeded American John Isner as the main drawcard.

Ferrer said it felt special to contest a tournament that had meant a lot to him over the years. “It’s very exciting because it’s the last one,” he said. “The support of the people for me, it’s very nice to play one more time again.