Heineken Open

David Ferrer arrived in Auckland as defending Heineken Open champion and will head to Melbourne this week as reigning Heineken Open champion after he beat Olivier Rochus 6-3 6-4 in today's final.

Defending champion David Ferrer was made to work hard for a spot in the semifinals of the Heineken Open in Auckland by Alejandro Falla, eventually beating the Colombian 6-4 4-6 6-3 to set up a date this afternoon with fellow Spaniard Fernando Verdasco.

Philipp Kohlschreiber became the first semifinalist at the Heineken Open when he ousted second seed Nicolas Almagro 7-6 6-4 in a tight match.

The defending champion cannot be accused of a lack of self-awareness.

A year ago Michael Venus took his first promising steps on the ATP Tour by taking a set off world No 51 Tommy Robredo. The young Kiwi eventually lost that match, but he at least showed he could foot it with one of the big boys.

David Ferrer will return to defend his Heineken Open title in 2012 and will be joined by fellow Spaniard Fernando Verdasco.

David Nalbandian of Argentina will play David Ferrer of Spain in the final of the Heineken Open in Auckland.

Spain's Nicolas Almagro and Brazil's Thomaz Bellucci have become the first players to advance to the quarterfinals of the Heineken Open tennis tournament in Auckland.

World No 15 Nicolas Almagro has been given a wildcard entry into the Heineken Open tennis tournament in Auckland next month after a request from the Spanish player's management.

Eleven players ranked inside the top 40 in the world have been confirmed for the Heineken Open tennis tournament in Auckland.