World No 5 David Ferrer. It seems a faintly underwhelming epithet that should speak volumes in an era of men's tennis dominated by four men.

But the soft-spoken Spaniard says he shouldn't be underestimated after reaching the semifinals at the French Open for a second straight year, particularly with Roger Federer now out, courtesy of next opponent Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, while Andy Murray was scratched due to injury.

Ferrer may not have the cachet of defending champion Rafael Nadal or top seed Novak Djokovic, the other members of the top four who currently dominate the game.