David Ferrer will need to raise his game to see off experienced Czech Radek Stepanek in the ATP Tokyo quarters on Friday.
Ferrer struggled through his rain delayed quarter-final encounter with Aussie qualifier Matthew Ebden, needing three sets to progress 4-6, 6-2, 6-2. Ferrer did not serve very well and will need to improve on that performance otherwise he'll be cut to shreds by the aggressive Stepanek.
"It was difficult because I never played against him before," Ferrer said after beating Ebden. "He played amazing in the first set and served really well. I was more focused and consistent in the second and third sets. I am getting more confident with the conditions, so the more matches the better."
Ferrer and Stepanek have contested plenty of tight matches in the past. The Spaniard has a narrow 4-3 lead on the head-to-head but there's never been much in it. He won the last one over five sets on indoor clay in the Davis Cup two years ago - 1-6, 2-6, 6-4, 6-4, 8-6.
"It is always a close match," Ferrer told the media. "He serves so well and is probably in the Top 3 serve and volleyers on the ATP World Tour. I'll need to serve and return well."
Prediction: Ferrer in three.
