David Ferrer attempts to reach Wimbledon semifinal for the first time, to face Del Potro

World number four David Ferrer reached the Wimbledon quarterfinals for the second straight year on Monday when he defeated Croatia’s Ivan Dodig 6-7, 7-6, 6-1, 6-1. The Spaniard is now attempting to reach the semifinals at the All England Club for the first time but he will have to get past a tough opponent – Juan Martin Del Potro of Argentina.

“I’m trying to play more aggressive,” said Ferrer. “I need to serve better than other courts, obviously when I am playing the second shot. Every match I am playing better with my game. I am confident.”

Ferrer is having a stellar season highlighted with his first career Grand Slam final finish at the Roland Garros last month (lost to Rafael Nadal) and by matching his quarterfinal finish here last year, he is guaranteed to rise to a career-high ranking of world number three on Monday.

The Spaniard is enjoying his own streak as of the moment, reaching his seventh consecutive Grand Slam quarterfinal or better finish.

Ferrer does have a 6-2 head to head series lead against Del Potro and the Spaniard won their past four meetings.

“He’s a very great player,” said Ferrer. “It’s going to be difficult. I need to play my best tennis to beat Del Potro. And on a grass court I think it is more difficult. He plays better than me on grass. Last year I beat him, but I think I played my best match on a grass court.”