David Ferrer is in third round action at the Shanghai Masters against compatriot Juan Carlos Ferrero.
Ferrer enjoyed a classic counter-puncher's victory over Canada's Milos Raonic in the second round, defusing Raonic's power to win 7-5, 7-6(7), withstanding 11 aces in the process.
However Ferrer will have to step up his game to get much further as former world number one Ferrero is in sublime form. Ferrero took out Mikhail Youzhny in the opening round before stunning Fernando Verdasco 4-6, 6-3, 6-2 on Wednesday.
Verdasco had the more chances but Ferrero saved eight of the eleven break points he had, while converting six of seven chances on the Verdasco serve.
Unsurprisingly these two have faced each other many, many times on the tour in the past with Ferrer holding a considerable advantage. Virtually all their eight meetings have been on clay, with Ferrer winning six of them.
Ferrer may love the clay but he often produces some of his best tennis during the indoor swing. He claimed the Valencia title last year and has finished runner-up at the ATP World Tour Finals in the past.
Prediction: Ferrer in three.
