David Ferrer advances in Madrid with gritty victory over Fernando Verdasco

David Ferrer has defeated Fernando Verdasco in three sets to book his place in the last eight of the Madrid Open.

The Spaniard, competing at the tournament for a 13th time, came out on top 5-7 6-3 6-4 with a determined display.

A loss of serve in the 11th game saw Verdasco race ahead in the opener, but only after throwing away two set points did he eventually manage to shake off his opponent.

World number eight Ferrer soon recovered, though, taking the next set in a fairly comfortable manner, before holding his service game in the decider to capitalise on a Verdasco slip-up in the seventh game to claim victory.