12 Jan 2013

Ferrer joins Emerson as a 4-time winner in Auckland

5:16 pm on 12 January 2013

World number five David Ferrer has completed his Australian Open preparations by entering the record books with his fourth Heineken Open tennis title in Auckland.

The 30-year-old's 7-6, 6-1 victory over 2008 Auckland champion Philipp Kohlschreiber ensured the Spaniard joined Australia's Roy Emerson as the only four-time winners of the title.

Ferrer won his first Auckland title in 2007 and has won the last three editions of the tournament.

His victory ensured he become the second player, after Emerson, to win the title in three successive years.

Emerson won his four titles in 1960 and then again from 1965-67.

Ferrer will now travel to Melbourne for the Australian Open where he meets Belgium's Olivier Rochus in the first round.