What a difference ...

Ferrero says he's playing a lot better than last year

Costa's pick is Ferrero PARIS, June 6 (Reuters) -- Albert Costa backed fellow Spaniard Juan Carlos Ferrero to win the French Open after losing their semifinal clash in straight sets on Friday. "If he plays with the same attitude like today, very relaxed, I think he can do it," Costa said after his defeat. Costa beat Ferrero in last year's final, but the third seed will be heavily favored to beat unseeded Dutchman Martin Verkerk on Sunday to claim his first Grand Slam title. "The important thing is that he believes he can win the match. Of course he will be nervous when the moment comes because we all are. But I hope he wins the final because he deserves to," added Costa. Costa had played four five-set matches on his way to the semifinals but refused to blame fatigue for his defeat. "Physically I felt very good during the match," he said. "Perhaps at the end I was a little bit tired. I kept trying all the time but he is also a very good player and he did a great job today. "I am proud of my resistance. It was a very intense match. He was just a bit fresher." The 27-year-old said he would leave Roland Garros with his head held high after some stirring comebacks during his five wins to reach the last four after a mediocre year. "I leave with the feeling that I'm still completely in form. At one point [earlier this season] I was really beginning to think I'd lost my tennis."

PARIS (Reuters) -- Juan Carlos Ferrero avenged his defeat in last year's French Open final when he beat defending champion Albert Costa on Friday and insisted he was a much better player.

The Spaniard, who beat his compatriot 6-3, 7-6 (5), 6-4 in a one-sided semifinal, now faces a tricky final against unpredictable Dutchman Martin Verkerk, who ousted Argentine Guillermo Coria also in straight sets.

"Every match is different. Last year in the final, I was not myself, so maybe Albert felt the same today," said Ferrero, who was hampered a year ago by ankle and arm problems.

"Maybe he felt tired or maybe not. I just played good tennis and I won and that's it," he added.

Costa had played four five-set matches in the tournament and looked exhausted at the end of the match, which lasted two hours and 44 minutes.

Ferrero has a golden chance to make it all the way after last year's disappointment and a loss against a player few people had heard of before the tournament would be embarrassing.

"He's playing well," the Spaniard cautioned. "Maybe he can match [Gustavo] Kuerten when he came in and won it. This tournament gives players lots of motivation," Ferrero said.

Verkerk has struck 112 aces since the start of the tournament and Ferrero admitted his opponent's serve would be a decisive factor.

"My returns will be the key. When I'm on court, I'll see whether I can return his serves," the "Mosquito" said.

Another defeat, though, after reaching at least the semifinals in his four French Open appearances, could hamper Ferrero's confidence and raise doubts about his ability to win a grand slam.

"Victory would make a lot of difference, for sure. If I win do you think people will think I'm a better player than if I lose? I don't know but I hope not," he said.

 

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