Soon-to-retire David Ferrer scores for Spain

PERTH, Australia – David Ferrer led Spain to 2-1 consolation victory over France in the Hopman Cup on Friday in what was the 36-year-old’s last pro tennis event in Australia.

Ferrer, who will be retiring at Madrid in May, defeated Lucas Pouille 6-4, 6-7 (5), 7-6 (2) in Spain’s final round-robin tie.

“It’s going to be the last matches in my career and I try to enjoy every point that I play,” Ferrer said. “For me it’s a pleasure to play here in this center court at Hopman Cup. I never played but I am happy to have the chance to play one time here.”

Ferrer made an impressive debut in the Hopman Cup where he recorded an upset victory over Australian Matt Ebden and also pushed Alexander Zverev to three sets.

Former world No. 1 Garbine Muguruza earlier defeated Alize Cornet 6-1, 6-3 after putting aside a left thigh injury.

Muguruza received treatment while leading 3-0 in the first set and returned after eight minutes with her left thigh strapped.

Muguruza also went 3-0 up in the second set before Cornet broke back but eventually lost the match in straight sets.

Cornet and Pouille then provided France a consolation win when they won against Whitney Osuigwe and Ferrer 4-2, 4-2. Osuigwe replaced Muguruza, who withdrew from the mixed doubles due to a thigh injury.

Later, hosts Australia will take on Germany in the last match to decide winner from Group A which will take on Switzerland in the final.