David Ferrer successfully defends Auckland title

World number five David Ferrer overwhelmed Belgian opponent Olivier Rochus 6-3, 6-4 in the final of the 2012 Heineken Open on Saturday, successfully defending the title he’s won a year ago.

“It was a pretty tough match,” said Ferrer. “I think in the second set, we played good tennis. I think the key was the difference with my first serve and his.”

Ferrer became the third person to have won the Heineken Open title three times. He joined Onny Parun and Roy Emerson in the club of three-time champions.