David Ferrer has qualified for the ATP World Tour Finals for the third time after reaching the quarter-finals of the Shanghai Masters.
Ferrer's Houdini-like escape against Juan Carlos Ferrero in the third round, saving three match points, secured his place in London next month. It will be his third appearance at the finals with his most successful run coming back in 2007, when he reached the final, losing to Roger Federer.
“This is what I have been fighting for all year,” Ferrer said. "I've had a great season with a lot of wins and I can't wait to return to London. It is such a great event and it is so special to be among the top 8 players once again. The atmosphere is incredible there."
Ferrer had a blistering start to the year, winning the Auckland title and reaching his first Australian Open semi-final and he has not looked back since then, cementing his place at no 5 in the rankings. The Spaniard will have been a little disappointed with his results at the rest of the slams, particularly his early defeat at the French Open but on the tour he has been a model of consistency, winning Acapulco in February as well as reaching finals in Monte Carlo, Barcelona and Bastad.
Mardy Fish, Tomas Berdych and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga look most likely to fill the rest of the spots in London.
The ATP World Tour Finals begin on November 20th.
