Ferrer Battles Past Lopez to Advance to Shanghai Rolex Masters Final

  By Abigail Hinto SHANGHAI, China – In tight three-set battle between Spanish Davis Cup teammates, David Ferrer edged out Feliciano Lopez 6-7(5), 6-3, 6-3 in the first semifinal of the Shanghai Rolex Masters on Saturday.  The battle was a contrast in styles between Ferrer’s steady baseline game and Lopez’ strong serve, backhand slices and approaches to the net.  But Lopez’s serve failed him at a crucial time when he served three double faults at 3-4 down and handed Ferrer the break in the third set.  Ferrer then served it out at 15 to reach his second ATP Masters 1000 final.   It’s remarkable to note that Lopez leads Ferrer in their career head-to-head meetings, 6-4 overall and a 6-1 on hard court. Lopez’s game is interesting to watch as he makes full use of backhand slices which were aided by the speed of the courts in Shanghai.  When it’s working, as it was on Saturday, he can construct points with it that lead to fascinating rallies.  Will he slice it deep and approach the net ...