David Ferrer Displays Grinder Role in Comeback Win at Valencia Open

David Ferrer hit zero aces in his match against Guillermo Garcia-Lopez on Tuesday. For most, that would spell imminent doom.

Ferrer made below 60 percent of his first serves in the contest. For most, that would be too much to overcome.

The difference with Ferrer is he doesn't rely on these things to win. The Spaniard used his consistent baseline play and on-court intelligence in a 6-7 (3), 6-3, 6-3 win. After serving 45 percent in the first set, Ferrer found himself down a set. Needing a win to keep his chances at qualifying for the year-end championships high, Ferrer was able to re-focus.

In the second set, Ferrer saved five Garcia-Lopez break chances and converted on one of his three to level the match at a set apiece. Ferrer took the court again for the third set and this time he packed his serve. He served 79 percent in the deciding set and converted two out of three break points to come out with a well-needed win.

With Tomas Berdych, Andy Roddick, Fernando Verdasco and Mikhail Youzhny, who are all within 500 points of Ferrer, in action this week, Ferrer can't afford an early exit. The five players are vying for the final three spots in London at the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals. Verdasco also recorded a first-round victory on Tuesday.

Ferrer has taken part in 23 tournaments this season, capturing one singles title. His next match is against Teymuraz Gabashvili, who he has never played before. If he wins, he sets up a potential match-up against Youzhny. Youzhny is 4-1 against Ferrer on hard courts and hasn't lost to Ferrer on a hard court since 2003.