MIAMI, Fla.—You may remember the kid. You saw him every blessed day, at the courts in the park, or behind the high school, or at the club. He was always there, always looking for a game. His tennis shoes were scuffed, the shirt less than dazzling white.
The first words — maybe the only words — on his lips were: “Wanna hit?” He was always there, even on the those brutally hot, humid, August afternoons. Ready to play. Ready to hit. You may not recall a single shot he ever hit that seemed touched by genius, artistry was not in his DNA. But you could hear the “pop” of the ball on his strings all afternoon, even on the most listless summer afternoon.
He was always there. Always ready. Wanna hit?
If you don’t remember that kid, or never knew one like him, don’t worry. Just buy a ticket to any big tennis event and you can catch still him, Just look at the order-of-play and find the name, David Ferrer. Today, Ferrer advanced to the final of the Sony Open with a trademark, dogged win over Tommy Haas, in a clash of two men on the far side of 30: Ferrer will turn 32 on April 2, one day before Haas turns 35.
Advantage, Ferrer.
Ferrer is the ultimate grinder on the ATP Tour. Like that kid, he seems willing to stay on the court well into twilight — or until the lights are turned off and everyone gives up and goes home. It’s only fitting that even though Ferrer has a hefty clothing contract and could easily afford a hot shave and haircut every day, he perpetually looks disheveled. His long hair hangs in lank strands. Even his shoes testify to the beating he takes in every match, win or lose. They quickly lose their clean lines and symmetrical shape because of the stress he puts them through. Everything about him asks, Wanna hit — Quieres pegarle un poco?
This, unfortunately, is not the kind of opponent Haas might have hoped to face in the semifinals of this Masters 1000 event because, even as expertly — nay, beautifully — as Haas has played this week, the yards run and the energy expended were bound to take their toll. The simplicity of the narrative I must convey doesn’t even come close to doing justice to the quality of this match.
Haas played stunning tennis. He was as appealing and exciting to watch as a thoroughbred race horse, but the deadly mix of his age — and Ferrer’s resilience — made him look like an eight furlong horse asked to run a 10 furlong race. Ferrer, who’s much better at winning than at taking your breath away, prevailed in a match that lasted just over two hours, 4-6, 6-2, 6-3.
“In the first set, Tommy played better than me,” Ferrer said afterward. “I was a little out with my mind. In the second set, I played more consistent in my game and felt better. I tried to fight for every point. I know Tommy in the third set was a little bit more tired than me. I know that.”