Ferrero wins Croatia Open for 3rd title of year

Juan Carlos Ferrero won the Croatia Open on Sunday, beating Potito Starace of Italy 6-4, 6-4 for his third title this year.

Ferrero, a former No. 1 player who was seeded fourth, defeated an opponent who was playing in his first final in three years and looking for his first ATP title. Ferrero was a finalist in this tournament in 2009.

The Spaniard’s other titles this year came at the Brazil Open in February and the Copa Telmex in Argentina a week later. he has played in four finals in 2010.

“It was the best season for me after quite a time,” he said. “It boosts my confidence.”

Ferrero never faced a break point and raised his record against Starace to 6-1. Ferrero broke in the third game and lost only seven points on serve in the first set. He broke again in the ninth game of the second set.