The top seed entered the match 3-6 against Verdasco on clay, but took control from the beginning. He won 88 per cent of his first serve points and broke the No. 8 seed twice in each set to seal the win in 70 minutes, improving to 18-1 on the year. “I am very, very happy. I played my best match of the week tonight,” stated Ferrer.

“I felt I was very solid and my game went really well. As Fernando hits so hard, I knew I had to be solid and counter him and I think I did it very well, especially at the beginning. I also know Fernando didn’t play his best tennis today but that’s tennis. You have good days and sometimes bad days.”

Ferrer is just the second player to win three titles in a row at the ATP World Tour 500 event, joining Thomas Muster, who lifted four consecutive crowns from 1993-1996. The Spaniard, now 14-14 in title matches, is also the first three-time winner in 2012, having successfully defended his title at the Heineken Open in Auckland (d. Rochus), and winning the Copa Claro in Buenos Aires (d. Almagro) last weekend. “I am very proud to have won in Acapulco for a third consecutive time,” Ferrer said.

“I don’t think too far ahead and take my schedule week by week. Now I have two important tournaments coming up in Indian Wells and Miami, with a few points to defend in Miami. It will be great if I manage to do well, but if not, it is not a big deal. I will keep on working hard.”