MONTERREY, October 3, 2018

David Ferrer has made a successful return to the ATP Challenger Tour, winning his opening match at the Abierto GNP Seguros in Monterrey on Tuesday evening. The 36-year-old Spaniard beat Thanasi Kokkinakis of Australia in the first round of the $150,000 hard-court event in Mexico, 6-1, 6-3.

No. 6 seed Ferrer won 79 per cent of his first service points and broke his opponent five times to secure victory in one hour and three minutes. Next up will be Roberto Cid Suvervi from the Dominican Republic.

Ferrer, who is currently ranked World No. 143, is playing his first ATP Challenger tournament since reaching the quarterfinals in Boca Raton 2004. Back then, the Jávea native lost to Mario Ancic in straight sets. The former World No. 3 lifted five ATP Challenger trophies in his career. His last title came on clay in Manerbio, Italy 2002.