WELLINGTON, Nov 1: World No 5 David Ferrer will complete his Australian Open preparations by seeking a record-equalling fourth Auckland Open title, organisers have said.

Spaniard Ferrer, who has enjoyed his best year on the ATP tour by winning six titles on four different surfaces, has captured the past two titles in Auckland, which concludes two days before the year’s first Grand Slam begins in Melbourne.

The 30-year-old also reached at least the last eight at all four Grand Slam tournaments this season, the first time he has achieved the feat in his 12-year professional career.

Ferrer, who has won 17 career titles, has a proud pedigree on the courts of New Zealand’s largest city, winning three times in eight visits.—Reuters