Monday, September 29, 2003
Dent overcomes Ferrero
American Taylor Dent thwarted top seed Juan Carlos Ferrero's attempts to claim his first indoor title by defeating the Spaniard 6-3 7-6 in the final of the Thailand Open on Sunday. It was Dent's second title of the year following his victory in Memphis in February.
"It's a great feeling," said Dent.
"It's a first for me to win two titles in a season and hopefully before the year's out there'll be another one.
"I went out there expecting a tough match and it was a lot closer than two sets. Just grinding it out and keeping a strong head won me the match."
Dent quickly got into his stride as he kept Ferrero pegged back at the baseline and snatched a 4-2 lead after putting away an overhead.
Although Ferrero had two break points when the eighth-seeded Dent was serving for the set, the Spaniard failed to convert either.
The American hit an ace on the first and Ferrero smacked a return wide on the second before smashing his racket to the ground in frustration.
BLISTERING RETURN
Visibly annoyed at his inability to penetrate the Dent serve, the French Open champion also received a warning from the umpire after he sent a lob long and was broken for 1-0 in the second.
Both players struggled to hold on to their serves and faced numerous break points in the set before Ferrero finally managed to draw level at 4-4 with a blistering return.
With both players going for broke, the set entered into a tiebreak where Dent moved ahead 5-3 after Ferrero scooped a double-handed backhand into the net.
But the American double-faulted to bring the score back to 5-5 before hitting a second serve return on his first match point to claim the $76,500 top prize.
"I didn't feel the ball the whole match because I didn't play any point more than 10 seconds. You just play one or two balls in each point and that's not very easy," said Ferrero, who was beaten in the U.S. Open final by Andy Roddick earlier this month.
"Maybe I'm a bit disappointed because I lost two finals in a short time.
"Maybe tomorrow I will feel good because I will stay number one. That was one of my goals in this tournament."
---------------------
WHAT THE PLAYERS SAID
Ferrero: "I'm disappointed, I've lost two finals in a short time. But when you lose finals, it at least means you are playing well to get into them. I'm sad now, but tomorrow I'll be better. At least I'll stay No. 1. That was one of my goals in this tournament."
"It was tough for me to come here and defend the No. 1. But I now have a chance to get some points in Vienna as I have none to defend. I'll train indoors next week in Spain and try to play well in Vienna."
"It was tough against Dent, especially when he is serving well. You have to take it to a tiebreaker because it's so tough to break his serve."
American Taylor Dent thwarted top seed Juan Carlos Ferrero's attempts to claim his first indoor title by defeating the Spaniard 6-3 7-6 in the final of the Thailand Open on Sunday. It was Dent's second title of the year following his victory in Memphis in February.
"It's a great feeling," said Dent.
"It's a first for me to win two titles in a season and hopefully before the year's out there'll be another one.
"I went out there expecting a tough match and it was a lot closer than two sets. Just grinding it out and keeping a strong head won me the match."
Dent quickly got into his stride as he kept Ferrero pegged back at the baseline and snatched a 4-2 lead after putting away an overhead.
Although Ferrero had two break points when the eighth-seeded Dent was serving for the set, the Spaniard failed to convert either.
The American hit an ace on the first and Ferrero smacked a return wide on the second before smashing his racket to the ground in frustration.
BLISTERING RETURN
Visibly annoyed at his inability to penetrate the Dent serve, the French Open champion also received a warning from the umpire after he sent a lob long and was broken for 1-0 in the second.
Both players struggled to hold on to their serves and faced numerous break points in the set before Ferrero finally managed to draw level at 4-4 with a blistering return.
With both players going for broke, the set entered into a tiebreak where Dent moved ahead 5-3 after Ferrero scooped a double-handed backhand into the net.
But the American double-faulted to bring the score back to 5-5 before hitting a second serve return on his first match point to claim the $76,500 top prize.
"I didn't feel the ball the whole match because I didn't play any point more than 10 seconds. You just play one or two balls in each point and that's not very easy," said Ferrero, who was beaten in the U.S. Open final by Andy Roddick earlier this month.
"Maybe I'm a bit disappointed because I lost two finals in a short time.
"Maybe tomorrow I will feel good because I will stay number one. That was one of my goals in this tournament."
---------------------
WHAT THE PLAYERS SAID
Ferrero: "I'm disappointed, I've lost two finals in a short time. But when you lose finals, it at least means you are playing well to get into them. I'm sad now, but tomorrow I'll be better. At least I'll stay No. 1. That was one of my goals in this tournament."
"It was tough for me to come here and defend the No. 1. But I now have a chance to get some points in Vienna as I have none to defend. I'll train indoors next week in Spain and try to play well in Vienna."
"It was tough against Dent, especially when he is serving well. You have to take it to a tiebreaker because it's so tough to break his serve."
Sunday, September 28, 2003
pic: backhand
pic: bow <--- cute ^^
pic: forehand
pic: return
pic: banana (an older pic from DC semis but it's pretty funny =P)
---------------------------
SINGLES FINAL
Matches Start At: 2:30PM
Juan Carlos FERRERO (ESP) vs Taylor DENT (USA)
Ferrero vs. Dent for title in Thailand
NONTHABURI, Thailand (AP) -- Top-ranked Juan Carlos Ferrero beat Croatia's Ivan Ljubicic 6-3, 6-3 Saturday to advance to the Thailand Open final.
Ferrero will play Taylor Dent for the title Sunday. Dent defeated fifth-seeded Jarkko Nieminen of Finland 7-6 (3), 6-2 in the other semifinal.
Ferrero played a consistent baseline game in beating Ljubicic for the first time in three meetings.
The Spaniard led 3-2 in the second set when Ljubicic called for a trainer to massage his right shoulder. The Croat never regained control, holding serve one more time before losing.
"I was returning very well,'' Ferrero said. "That was important because it gave me confidence. I served well. It was a perfect match.''
Dent capitalized on his serve-and-volley game to dominate the first-set tiebreaker. The American had three match points in the second set before winning.
"I came out a little nervous and took a long time to get my rhythm,'' Dent said. "Then I tried to get back, calm down and played nicely.''
Looking toward the final, Ferrero said Dent can pose problems.
"He goes to the net all the time and you have to be confident and not make many mistakes,'' Ferrero said. "It's difficult to break his serves.''
----------------------
WHAT THE PLAYERS SAID
Ferrero: "The key was my returns, I returned very well from the start. It was important for my confidence. I served well, for me it was a perfect match. I had lost my last two matches against him, so I just tried to return well. he was serving well but he started to feel something in his shoulder."
About the final against Dent: "Ljubicic served like Roddick with less speed, Dent goes more for the body all the time. I played him last year in Cincinnati. It was a tough match which I won 7-6 in the third. He goes to the net all the time, you have to have a lot of confidence against him and not make mistakes. If he has a chance he'll break and it tough to break his serve back. If I don't break, have to go to the tiebreak and do my best."
NONTHABURI, Thailand (AP) -- Top-ranked Juan Carlos Ferrero beat Croatia's Ivan Ljubicic 6-3, 6-3 Saturday to advance to the Thailand Open final.
Ferrero will play Taylor Dent for the title Sunday. Dent defeated fifth-seeded Jarkko Nieminen of Finland 7-6 (3), 6-2 in the other semifinal.
Ferrero played a consistent baseline game in beating Ljubicic for the first time in three meetings.
The Spaniard led 3-2 in the second set when Ljubicic called for a trainer to massage his right shoulder. The Croat never regained control, holding serve one more time before losing.
"I was returning very well,'' Ferrero said. "That was important because it gave me confidence. I served well. It was a perfect match.''
Dent capitalized on his serve-and-volley game to dominate the first-set tiebreaker. The American had three match points in the second set before winning.
"I came out a little nervous and took a long time to get my rhythm,'' Dent said. "Then I tried to get back, calm down and played nicely.''
Looking toward the final, Ferrero said Dent can pose problems.
"He goes to the net all the time and you have to be confident and not make many mistakes,'' Ferrero said. "It's difficult to break his serves.''
----------------------
WHAT THE PLAYERS SAID
Ferrero: "The key was my returns, I returned very well from the start. It was important for my confidence. I served well, for me it was a perfect match. I had lost my last two matches against him, so I just tried to return well. he was serving well but he started to feel something in his shoulder."
About the final against Dent: "Ljubicic served like Roddick with less speed, Dent goes more for the body all the time. I played him last year in Cincinnati. It was a tough match which I won 7-6 in the third. He goes to the net all the time, you have to have a lot of confidence against him and not make mistakes. If he has a chance he'll break and it tough to break his serve back. If I don't break, have to go to the tiebreak and do my best."
Saturday, September 27, 2003
Moya and Paradorn Fall at Thai Open
By Barry Wood
BANGKOK (Reuters) - Third seed Carlos Moya (news) was beaten by Finn Jarkko Nieminen and local favorite Paradorn Srichaphan lost to sixth seed Ivan Ljubicic in the quarterfinals of the Thailand Open Friday.
Top seed Juan Carlos Ferrero was stretched to a third set tiebreak before advancing but eighth seeded American Taylor Dent had it easy after Frenchman Nicolas Thomann retired with a foot injury after dropping the first set 6-3.
Moya was beaten 6-7, 6-4, 6-4 in a two hour 12 minute battle that remained in the balance until the final ball, and fellow Spaniard Ferrero's two hour four minute struggle could also have swung either way until he overcame Gregory Carraz of France 6-4, 3-6, 7-6.
Fourth seeded Paradorn had to fight back tears after falling to the firepower of Ljubicic, whose 22 aces played a large part in his 4-6, 7-6, 7-5 victory.
[...]
Ferrero began well and broke twice to lead 5-2, but then failed to serve out the set at the first opportunity. In the second set paid the price for failing to convert a break point for 1-0 and another for 2-1, and was broken in the fourth game.
In the deciding set, Carraz broke and held serve to lead 5-3 but, having dropped just three points in his four service games of the set, he failed to serve out the match at 5-4 in the face of some blistering returns from Ferrero.
"I was getting a little worried," said Ferrero. "It was a very difficult match because he was playing 100 percent all the time and I didn't have any time to be relaxed in the match. At 5-4 (in the third) I felt maybe he was a little bit nervous and I was able to get the break."
---------------------------------------------------------
Updates for Davis cup 2004
Isnt it weird that we havent even sure about the 2003 final and everything but the draw for davis cup 2004 has came out? =P
Draw Announced for Davis Cup 2004
The draw for the 2004 Davis Cup was announced in London today(25/09/2003).
The United States, which avoided relegation by defeating the Slovak Republic in Bratislava last weekend, will host Austria in the first round and could meet Australia in a blockbuster second-round match. The Australians play Sweden in the first round.
Modern-day Davis Cup powerhouse Spain travels to the Czech Republic in the first round. France will host Croatia.
-->taken from official atp site.
By Barry Wood
BANGKOK (Reuters) - Third seed Carlos Moya (news) was beaten by Finn Jarkko Nieminen and local favorite Paradorn Srichaphan lost to sixth seed Ivan Ljubicic in the quarterfinals of the Thailand Open Friday.
Top seed Juan Carlos Ferrero was stretched to a third set tiebreak before advancing but eighth seeded American Taylor Dent had it easy after Frenchman Nicolas Thomann retired with a foot injury after dropping the first set 6-3.
Moya was beaten 6-7, 6-4, 6-4 in a two hour 12 minute battle that remained in the balance until the final ball, and fellow Spaniard Ferrero's two hour four minute struggle could also have swung either way until he overcame Gregory Carraz of France 6-4, 3-6, 7-6.
Fourth seeded Paradorn had to fight back tears after falling to the firepower of Ljubicic, whose 22 aces played a large part in his 4-6, 7-6, 7-5 victory.
[...]
Ferrero began well and broke twice to lead 5-2, but then failed to serve out the set at the first opportunity. In the second set paid the price for failing to convert a break point for 1-0 and another for 2-1, and was broken in the fourth game.
In the deciding set, Carraz broke and held serve to lead 5-3 but, having dropped just three points in his four service games of the set, he failed to serve out the match at 5-4 in the face of some blistering returns from Ferrero.
"I was getting a little worried," said Ferrero. "It was a very difficult match because he was playing 100 percent all the time and I didn't have any time to be relaxed in the match. At 5-4 (in the third) I felt maybe he was a little bit nervous and I was able to get the break."
---------------------------------------------------------
Updates for Davis cup 2004
Isnt it weird that we havent even sure about the 2003 final and everything but the draw for davis cup 2004 has came out? =P
Draw Announced for Davis Cup 2004
The draw for the 2004 Davis Cup was announced in London today(25/09/2003).
The United States, which avoided relegation by defeating the Slovak Republic in Bratislava last weekend, will host Austria in the first round and could meet Australia in a blockbuster second-round match. The Australians play Sweden in the first round.
Modern-day Davis Cup powerhouse Spain travels to the Czech Republic in the first round. France will host Croatia.
-->taken from official atp site.
CHECK IT OUT --> Some really nice pictures of JC practicing and from the opening ceremony taken by Thai fans!! Definitely have a look and enjoy =) And thanks to "HappyJCF" for putting this link on the tagboard.
------------------------------------
Saturday's Order of Play
Matches Start At 2:30 PM
Jarkko NIEMINEN (FIN) vs Taylor DENT (USA)
followed by
Juan Carlos FERRERO (ESP) vs Ivan LJUBICIC (CRO)
------------------------------------
Saturday's Order of Play
Matches Start At 2:30 PM
Jarkko NIEMINEN (FIN) vs Taylor DENT (USA)
followed by
Juan Carlos FERRERO (ESP) vs Ivan LJUBICIC (CRO)
some pix from JC's quarterfinals match =)
pic: victory
pic: serve
pic: backhand
pic: fast and Ferrero ^^
pic: victory
pic: serve
pic: backhand
pic: fast and Ferrero ^^
JC defeated Carraz 6-4, 3-6, 7-6(2) in the quarterfinals and will now face Ljubicic!
--------------------------
Moya Bounced Out by Nieminen; Ferrero Wins
BANGKOK (Reuters) - [...]
Moya's fellow Spaniard, world number one Juan Carlos Ferrero, was stretched to the limit by unheralded Frenchman Gregory Carraz before he prevailed 6-4, 3-6, 7-6.
[...]
Ferrero began well as he raced into a 5-2 lead with a double break on his way to bagging the first set.
In the second, Ferrero paid the price for failing to convert break points in the first and third games.
With Ferrero failing to stamp his authority on the match, Carraz made the most of the opportunities handed his way and broke the Spaniard in the fourth game.
Carraz also gained a 5-3 advantage in the decider but Ferrero clawed his way back into the contest with his blistering returns.
Ferrero stepped up the pace in the tiebreak to clinch it 7-2 and book a place in the last four with Croatia's Ivan Ljubicic.
------------------------------
WHAT THE PLAYERS SAID
Ferrero: "It was a very difficult match because he was playing 100% all the time, and I didn't have any time to be relaxed in the match you know I had to play and conentrate 100% all the time on my tennis. I'm in great form and playing good and I'm serving but this kind of players it's very difficult to play against because they serve very well, and they play serve and volley all the time. I think Carraz played very, very well today. I think I had to play at the same level as him all the time to win the match."
SEMIFINAL MATCHES
Top seed Juan Carlos Ferrero meets Croatian Ivan Ljubicic, who is seeded No. 6 this week. The 24-year-old Croatian is looking to reach his first ATP final since capturing the Lyon title in 2001. The 23-year-old Spaniard, who has lost to Ljubicic in their two previous matches, has a 60-14 record in 2003 and has won three titles in five final appearances this season. He is one of four players, the others being Andy Roddick, Roger Federer and Andre Agassi, who are battling for the coveted year-end No. 1 title.
--------------------------
Moya Bounced Out by Nieminen; Ferrero Wins
BANGKOK (Reuters) - [...]
Moya's fellow Spaniard, world number one Juan Carlos Ferrero, was stretched to the limit by unheralded Frenchman Gregory Carraz before he prevailed 6-4, 3-6, 7-6.
[...]
Ferrero began well as he raced into a 5-2 lead with a double break on his way to bagging the first set.
In the second, Ferrero paid the price for failing to convert break points in the first and third games.
With Ferrero failing to stamp his authority on the match, Carraz made the most of the opportunities handed his way and broke the Spaniard in the fourth game.
Carraz also gained a 5-3 advantage in the decider but Ferrero clawed his way back into the contest with his blistering returns.
Ferrero stepped up the pace in the tiebreak to clinch it 7-2 and book a place in the last four with Croatia's Ivan Ljubicic.
------------------------------
WHAT THE PLAYERS SAID
Ferrero: "It was a very difficult match because he was playing 100% all the time, and I didn't have any time to be relaxed in the match you know I had to play and conentrate 100% all the time on my tennis. I'm in great form and playing good and I'm serving but this kind of players it's very difficult to play against because they serve very well, and they play serve and volley all the time. I think Carraz played very, very well today. I think I had to play at the same level as him all the time to win the match."
SEMIFINAL MATCHES
Top seed Juan Carlos Ferrero meets Croatian Ivan Ljubicic, who is seeded No. 6 this week. The 24-year-old Croatian is looking to reach his first ATP final since capturing the Lyon title in 2001. The 23-year-old Spaniard, who has lost to Ljubicic in their two previous matches, has a 60-14 record in 2003 and has won three titles in five final appearances this season. He is one of four players, the others being Andy Roddick, Roger Federer and Andre Agassi, who are battling for the coveted year-end No. 1 title.
Friday, September 26, 2003
Friday's Schedule of Play
NOT BEFORE 4:00 PM
Juan Carlos FERRERO (ESP) vs Gregory CARRAZ (FRA)
-----------------------------------
Some pix from JC's second round match
pic: no more red stripes!!
pic: forehand
pic: fist pump
NOT BEFORE 4:00 PM
Juan Carlos FERRERO (ESP) vs Gregory CARRAZ (FRA)
-----------------------------------
Some pix from JC's second round match
pic: no more red stripes!!
pic: forehand
pic: fist pump
At just past midnight in Thailand JC defeated Bogomolov 6-3, 6-7, 6-1! Maybe he really wanted to go back to his hotel and sleep so he burned rubber in that last set =P Vamos JC!!
---------------------------------
Ferrero makes last eight
Juan Carlos Ferrero groped his way to a laboured 6-3 6-7 (4-7) 6-1 win over Russian-American Alex Bogomolov to reach the quarter-finals of the Thailand Open on Thursday.
The Spanish world number one held a comfortable lead 6-3 5-4 and was serving for victory when a power surge knocked out the lights inside the arena.
With no repairs forthcoming, the pair decided to play on.
The decision cost Ferrero a straight-sets win as the underdog levelled with a winning tie-breaker after a break.
---------------------------------
Ferrero makes last eight
Juan Carlos Ferrero groped his way to a laboured 6-3 6-7 (4-7) 6-1 win over Russian-American Alex Bogomolov to reach the quarter-finals of the Thailand Open on Thursday.
The Spanish world number one held a comfortable lead 6-3 5-4 and was serving for victory when a power surge knocked out the lights inside the arena.
With no repairs forthcoming, the pair decided to play on.
The decision cost Ferrero a straight-sets win as the underdog levelled with a winning tie-breaker after a break.
Thursday, September 25, 2003
Aussies choose grass for final
Australia have opted to play this year's Davis Cup final against Spain on grass. The Spanish clay-court specialists fare less well on grass, which has been Australia's preferred choice.
Lleyton Hewitt won at Wimbledon in 2002 and Mark Philippoussis was a finalist at SW19 this year.
A portable grasscourt will now be installed at Melbourne's Rod Laver Arena for the final, which begins on 28 November.
Australia have opted to play this year's Davis Cup final against Spain on grass. The Spanish clay-court specialists fare less well on grass, which has been Australia's preferred choice.
Lleyton Hewitt won at Wimbledon in 2002 and Mark Philippoussis was a finalist at SW19 this year.
A portable grasscourt will now be installed at Melbourne's Rod Laver Arena for the final, which begins on 28 November.
Paradorn powers through to victory after disastrous start in Bangkok
[...]
Spain's Davis Cup pair of Juan Carlos Ferrero and Carlos Moya both shook off weariness to collect tickets into the second round.
Ferrero, the world Number one, looked the more impressive, taming the big game of towering Belgian giant Dick Norman 7-5, 7-6 (7-5).
Third seed Moya, who arrived in Bangkok with his parents and sister, complained of feeling poorly on the flight. But he recovered his strength enough to seal the fate of Czech qualifier Petr Luxa 6-4, 6-3.
Just a few hours of sleep was enough for world Number one Ferrero to get past the Number 125 Norman, who towers at just over two metres (six feet).
Ferrero had to scramble to salvage set points in the tenth game of each set, finally carving out the win in just over 90 minutes as he clinched the victory on his first match point.
"I had two days to make the adjustment from clay court (Davis Cup in Spain) to indoor," said Ferrero. "But I did it -- now I have another day to try and improve even more."
Ferrero said he was pleased to advance over his first hurdle. "It was a great match to win, I'm glad to be into the second round. I only had six hours of sleep last night, not much for the first night."
The Spaniard will Thursday aim for the quarter-finals as he faces Russian-born American Alex Bogomolov, who defeated Italy's Giorgio Galimberti 6-3, 6-3.
-->news taken from AFP
-----------------------------------------
Some news about Jc schedule next year!!
Ferrero to play adidas International
WORLD No.1 Juan Carlos Ferrero will join Australia's Lleyton Hewitt and Mark Philippoussis at next year's adidas International in Sydney
The event will resemble a Davis Cup tennis final with the two Australians taking on a field including Ferrero and his Spanish teammate Carlos Moya at the tournament from January 11-17.
Australia takes on Spain in the Davis Cup final at Melbourne from November 28-30.
[..]
-->news taken from the mercury.
[...]
Spain's Davis Cup pair of Juan Carlos Ferrero and Carlos Moya both shook off weariness to collect tickets into the second round.
Ferrero, the world Number one, looked the more impressive, taming the big game of towering Belgian giant Dick Norman 7-5, 7-6 (7-5).
Third seed Moya, who arrived in Bangkok with his parents and sister, complained of feeling poorly on the flight. But he recovered his strength enough to seal the fate of Czech qualifier Petr Luxa 6-4, 6-3.
Just a few hours of sleep was enough for world Number one Ferrero to get past the Number 125 Norman, who towers at just over two metres (six feet).
Ferrero had to scramble to salvage set points in the tenth game of each set, finally carving out the win in just over 90 minutes as he clinched the victory on his first match point.
"I had two days to make the adjustment from clay court (Davis Cup in Spain) to indoor," said Ferrero. "But I did it -- now I have another day to try and improve even more."
Ferrero said he was pleased to advance over his first hurdle. "It was a great match to win, I'm glad to be into the second round. I only had six hours of sleep last night, not much for the first night."
The Spaniard will Thursday aim for the quarter-finals as he faces Russian-born American Alex Bogomolov, who defeated Italy's Giorgio Galimberti 6-3, 6-3.
-->news taken from AFP
-----------------------------------------
Some news about Jc schedule next year!!
Ferrero to play adidas International
WORLD No.1 Juan Carlos Ferrero will join Australia's Lleyton Hewitt and Mark Philippoussis at next year's adidas International in Sydney
The event will resemble a Davis Cup tennis final with the two Australians taking on a field including Ferrero and his Spanish teammate Carlos Moya at the tournament from January 11-17.
Australia takes on Spain in the Davis Cup final at Melbourne from November 28-30.
[..]
-->news taken from the mercury.
See the full schedule of play for Thursday here
NOT BEFORE 7:00 PM
Paradorn SRICHAPHAN (THA) vs Kenneth CARLSEN (DEN)
followed by
Juan Carlos FERRERO (ESP) vs Alex BOGOMOLOV JR. (USA)
NOT BEFORE 7:00 PM
Paradorn SRICHAPHAN (THA) vs Kenneth CARLSEN (DEN)
followed by
Juan Carlos FERRERO (ESP) vs Alex BOGOMOLOV JR. (USA)
Looks like JC had a bit of a tough time breaking serve in his first round match but he prevailed defeating D. Norman in straight sets 7-5, 7-6 =)
pic: waving
pic: backhand
pic: stretch
pic: another backhand (oOh all black again)
new --> pic: forehand
----------------------
Ferrero survives opener
World number one Juan Carlos Ferrero twice survived a set point on his way to a 7-5 7-6 win over lofty Belgian Dick Norman in the first round of the Thailand Open on Wednesday. Norman, who is more than two metres tall, fired down 17 aces and struck some blistering returns. But his lack of consistency often worked to Ferrero's advantage in the rallies.
The Spaniard earned an early break to lead 2-1 but dropped his serve in the next game. He then faced a set point at 5-4 after a Norman return clipped the net cord but the left-handed Belgian netted a forehand.
Ferrero then broke to lead 6-5 when Norman double-faulted, and served out for the set.
"He's a difficult opponent because he's left-handed and serves very hard all the time. He plays very aggressive from the baseline, but he did a lot of mistakes in important moments and that was great for me," Ferrero said.
In the second set, Ferrero broke to lead 1-0 but a double-fault allowed Norman to level at 3-3. Ferrero then faced another set point when a lob fell long but Norman again missed his chance when he netted his return off a second serve.
"It was tough and great to win because I only arrived yesterday from the Davis Cup and it was not easy to play today," said Ferrero.
Ferrero will next play Alex Bogomolov after the American beat Italy's Giorgio Galimberti 6-3 6-3.
pic: waving
pic: backhand
pic: stretch
pic: another backhand (oOh all black again)
new --> pic: forehand
----------------------
Ferrero survives opener
World number one Juan Carlos Ferrero twice survived a set point on his way to a 7-5 7-6 win over lofty Belgian Dick Norman in the first round of the Thailand Open on Wednesday. Norman, who is more than two metres tall, fired down 17 aces and struck some blistering returns. But his lack of consistency often worked to Ferrero's advantage in the rallies.
The Spaniard earned an early break to lead 2-1 but dropped his serve in the next game. He then faced a set point at 5-4 after a Norman return clipped the net cord but the left-handed Belgian netted a forehand.
Ferrero then broke to lead 6-5 when Norman double-faulted, and served out for the set.
"He's a difficult opponent because he's left-handed and serves very hard all the time. He plays very aggressive from the baseline, but he did a lot of mistakes in important moments and that was great for me," Ferrero said.
In the second set, Ferrero broke to lead 1-0 but a double-fault allowed Norman to level at 3-3. Ferrero then faced another set point when a lob fell long but Norman again missed his chance when he netted his return off a second serve.
"It was tough and great to win because I only arrived yesterday from the Davis Cup and it was not easy to play today," said Ferrero.
Ferrero will next play Alex Bogomolov after the American beat Italy's Giorgio Galimberti 6-3 6-3.
Wednesday, September 24, 2003
The first pix of JC from the Thailand Open. These are from an informal meeting with fans and media. Enjoy!!
pic: meeting the press
pic: lounging in front of a billboard
-------------------
And Wednesday's schedule of play.
NOT BEFORE 4:00 PM - Center Court
Juan Carlos FERRERO (ESP) vs Dick NORMAN (BEL)
pic: meeting the press
pic: lounging in front of a billboard
-------------------
And Wednesday's schedule of play.
NOT BEFORE 4:00 PM - Center Court
Juan Carlos FERRERO (ESP) vs Dick NORMAN (BEL)
Tuesday, September 23, 2003
Latest News on the Thailand Open (sort of related to JC): Andy Roddick has withdrawn from the tournament due to an injury sustained during the Davis Cup tie. He has been replaced by a lucky loser. Too bad... I was hoping to see a rematch of the US Open final =(
Also JC will be playing Wednesday. There are quite a few dangerous floaters in his half, Popp, Ljubicic and Srichaphan... Best of luck to JC!!
Also JC will be playing Wednesday. There are quite a few dangerous floaters in his half, Popp, Ljubicic and Srichaphan... Best of luck to JC!!
Monday, September 22, 2003
JC doesn't have much time to rest before competing in the Thailand Open where he's the #1 seed. Check out the draw below.
Thailand Open draw
Thailand Open draw
Pix from Spain's victory celebration
super cute --> pic: JC jumping over the net!!!
pic: tossing Moya
pic: victory for the Spanish Armada
-------------------------------
ATTN LILY: The final is going to be in Melbourne!!! ::wink wink::
-------------------------------
Spain Reaches Final as Moya Overwhelms Gaudio
Despite clawing the tie back to 2-2, it was not to be for Argentina in the decisive fifth rubber as Carlos Moya swept Gaston Gaudio aside 61 64 62 to book Spain's place in the Davis Cup by BNP Paribas final opposite Australia.
Gaudio had no answers to Moya's convincing performance and the Spaniard claimed the crucial third point in two hours three minutes, then was surrounded on the court in Malaga by his joyful teammates.
Spain will travel to Melbourne to face Australia in November, in what will be a rematch of the 2000 Davis Cup Final, won by Spain in Barcelona.
super cute --> pic: JC jumping over the net!!!
pic: tossing Moya
pic: victory for the Spanish Armada
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ATTN LILY: The final is going to be in Melbourne!!! ::wink wink::
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Spain Reaches Final as Moya Overwhelms Gaudio
Despite clawing the tie back to 2-2, it was not to be for Argentina in the decisive fifth rubber as Carlos Moya swept Gaston Gaudio aside 61 64 62 to book Spain's place in the Davis Cup by BNP Paribas final opposite Australia.
Gaudio had no answers to Moya's convincing performance and the Spaniard claimed the crucial third point in two hours three minutes, then was surrounded on the court in Malaga by his joyful teammates.
Spain will travel to Melbourne to face Australia in November, in what will be a rematch of the 2000 Davis Cup Final, won by Spain in Barcelona.
JC LOST the 4th rubber to Calleri 4-6, 5-7,1-6!!! How the heck did that happen?! They must have given Calleri something before the match because he was "on fire." Anyway now it's up to Moya to see if Spain will advance to the finals to meet AUS. ::extremely nervous::
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pic: getting coached
pic: backhand
pic: grimace
pic: ouch
pic: disappointment
pic: forehand
pic: taking a rest
pic: throw racquet
new --> pic: looking down
new --> pic: return
-----------------
pic: getting coached
pic: backhand
pic: grimace
pic: ouch
pic: disappointment
pic: forehand
pic: taking a rest
pic: throw racquet
new --> pic: looking down
new --> pic: return
Calleri Stuns Ferrero to Force Davis Cup Decider
MALAGA, Spain (Reuters) - Agustin Calleri claimed an extraordinary 6-4, 7-5, 6-1 victory over world number one Juan Carlos Ferrero Sunday to level Argentina's Davis Cup semi-final with Spain at 2-2 and force a decisive singles rubber.
Argentina, trailing 2-0 after the first day, had kept the tie alive with a four-set doubles win for Calleri and Lucas Arnold over Albert Costa and Alex Corretja Saturday.
Calleri was back on the specially constructed clay court at Malaga Sunday after being called in as a late replacement for Mariano Zabaleta and he responded with a brilliant win.
Ferrero, the French Open champion and undisputedly the world's top player on clay, must have been confident of claiming the third point for Spain but after two tight sets he was blown away by his opponent.
"I'd say this was the best match of my life," said Calleri. "I beat the world number one, on clay and on his home territory.
"I took the initiative throughout the game and everything I tried came off."
Calleri, fizzing down aces, service winners and unreturnable groundstrokes, got the crucial first-set break in game seven and then came back from 3-5 down in the second, saving five set-points along the way, before edging it 7-5.
"If I'd won the second set the match would have turned out differently," said Ferrero.
The Spaniard was at a loss to how to deal with Calleri in the third set and quickly found himself 4-0 down before the Argentine clinched victory in two hours 40 minutes.
With the tie poised at 2-2, Carlos Moya and Gaston Gaudio were playing the decisive final singles, with a place in the final against Australia at stake.
MALAGA, Spain (Reuters) - Agustin Calleri claimed an extraordinary 6-4, 7-5, 6-1 victory over world number one Juan Carlos Ferrero Sunday to level Argentina's Davis Cup semi-final with Spain at 2-2 and force a decisive singles rubber.
Argentina, trailing 2-0 after the first day, had kept the tie alive with a four-set doubles win for Calleri and Lucas Arnold over Albert Costa and Alex Corretja Saturday.
Calleri was back on the specially constructed clay court at Malaga Sunday after being called in as a late replacement for Mariano Zabaleta and he responded with a brilliant win.
Ferrero, the French Open champion and undisputedly the world's top player on clay, must have been confident of claiming the third point for Spain but after two tight sets he was blown away by his opponent.
"I'd say this was the best match of my life," said Calleri. "I beat the world number one, on clay and on his home territory.
"I took the initiative throughout the game and everything I tried came off."
Calleri, fizzing down aces, service winners and unreturnable groundstrokes, got the crucial first-set break in game seven and then came back from 3-5 down in the second, saving five set-points along the way, before edging it 7-5.
"If I'd won the second set the match would have turned out differently," said Ferrero.
The Spaniard was at a loss to how to deal with Calleri in the third set and quickly found himself 4-0 down before the Argentine clinched victory in two hours 40 minutes.
With the tie poised at 2-2, Carlos Moya and Gaston Gaudio were playing the decisive final singles, with a place in the final against Australia at stake.
Sunday, September 21, 2003
Corretja and Costa lost their doubles match meaning that JC's match tomorrow will be crucial to the tie. Best of luck to JC!!
R4 - J.FERRERO (ESP) vs M.ZABALETA (ARG) - Day 3: 1130 hrs (GMT 0930 hrs)
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Doubles Victory Keeps Argentina in the Running
Lucas Arnold and Agustin Calleri won the first Argentine point of the tie on Saturday, defeating Albert Costa and Alex Corretja 63 16 64 62 in the doubles. The victory, achieved in three hours 51 minutes, means that the visitors are still in this Davis Cup by BNP Paribas Semifinal tie, although they will need to win both of Sunday's reverse singles matches against Spain to clinch a place in the Final.
R4 - J.FERRERO (ESP) vs M.ZABALETA (ARG) - Day 3: 1130 hrs (GMT 0930 hrs)
----------------------------------
Doubles Victory Keeps Argentina in the Running
Lucas Arnold and Agustin Calleri won the first Argentine point of the tie on Saturday, defeating Albert Costa and Alex Corretja 63 16 64 62 in the doubles. The victory, achieved in three hours 51 minutes, means that the visitors are still in this Davis Cup by BNP Paribas Semifinal tie, although they will need to win both of Sunday's reverse singles matches against Spain to clinch a place in the Final.
Friday, September 19, 2003
**New JC interview. He talks about his win over Gaudio and the support of the crowd in Spain
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Looks like our JC had no problem adapting to clay. He defeated Gaudio 6-4 6-0 6-0... and I thought it was going to be a long and painful match...
<-- click
pic: backhand
pic: running forehand
pic: forehand
pic: jump
pic: getting ready to serve
pic: slide
pic: return
pic: victory
pic: relief
pic: eyeing the ball
pic: celebrating
pic: kisses
pic: more kisses
pic: sigh
new --> pic: fist pump
new --> pic: close up
new --> pic: another forehand
new --> pic: getting some advice
-----------------------
Looks like our JC had no problem adapting to clay. He defeated Gaudio 6-4 6-0 6-0... and I thought it was going to be a long and painful match...
<-- click
pic: backhand
pic: running forehand
pic: forehand
pic: jump
pic: getting ready to serve
pic: slide
pic: return
pic: victory
pic: relief
pic: eyeing the ball
pic: celebrating
pic: kisses
pic: more kisses
pic: sigh
new --> pic: fist pump
new --> pic: close up
new --> pic: another forehand
new --> pic: getting some advice
Spain lead 1-0
French Open champion Juan Carlos Ferrero draw first blood for Spain in their Davis Cup semi-final tie against Argentina in Malaga on Friday. The Spaniard steamrolled past Gaston Gaudio in style, 6-4 6-0 6-0.
Ferrero, the world number one, took time to find his rhythm on the slow red clay on a specially constructed court at the Jose Maria Martin Carpena stadium but after an evenly balanced first set he crushed Gaudio with withering ease.
Gaudio, chasing everything down and hitting with great accuracy, was the first to hold serve in game three and he broke Ferrero again for a 3-1 lead.
Argentina needed a good start after losing their top two singles players, Guillermo Coria and David Nalbandian to injury, and an upset looked a distinct possibility as Gaudio moved 40-15 up in the next.
Instead, Gaudio found himself on the receiving end of a stunning assault from Ferrero, who reeled off 14 games without reply to clinch victory.
"I kept improving and I didn't put a foot wrong in the second and third sets," said Ferrero. "I played a great match."
Argentina were looking to Mariano Zabaleta to level the tie in the second singles against Carlos Moya and keep them in with a chance of a final against Australia or Switzerland, who were tied at 1-1 after the opening day of their match in Melbourne.
The turning point in the Ferrero-Gaudio match came in game five of the first set, when the Spaniard recovered from 40-15 down to cut Gaudio's lead to 2-3 and then held serve for the first time to level the scores.
The players shared another break of serve but, incredibly, Gaudio's recovery to 4-4 proved to be the last game he would win, as Ferrero assumed command with the sort of form that took him to the U.S. Open final this month.
A poor attempt at a drop-shot gave Ferrero a break point in game nine and he took it with a perfectly placed backhand pass across court.
Ferrero comfortably held serve for the first set in 62 minutes and moved 3-0 ahead in the second by returning a smash from Gaudio with a lob and then clinching the point with a drop-shot.
Gaudio was by now thoroughly demoralised, offering little resistance as Ferrero took the set in 27 minutes and moved 5-0 up in the third.
Serving for the match, Ferrero saved four break points before converting his second match point with a drive volley.
French Open champion Juan Carlos Ferrero draw first blood for Spain in their Davis Cup semi-final tie against Argentina in Malaga on Friday. The Spaniard steamrolled past Gaston Gaudio in style, 6-4 6-0 6-0.
Ferrero, the world number one, took time to find his rhythm on the slow red clay on a specially constructed court at the Jose Maria Martin Carpena stadium but after an evenly balanced first set he crushed Gaudio with withering ease.
Gaudio, chasing everything down and hitting with great accuracy, was the first to hold serve in game three and he broke Ferrero again for a 3-1 lead.
Argentina needed a good start after losing their top two singles players, Guillermo Coria and David Nalbandian to injury, and an upset looked a distinct possibility as Gaudio moved 40-15 up in the next.
Instead, Gaudio found himself on the receiving end of a stunning assault from Ferrero, who reeled off 14 games without reply to clinch victory.
"I kept improving and I didn't put a foot wrong in the second and third sets," said Ferrero. "I played a great match."
Argentina were looking to Mariano Zabaleta to level the tie in the second singles against Carlos Moya and keep them in with a chance of a final against Australia or Switzerland, who were tied at 1-1 after the opening day of their match in Melbourne.
The turning point in the Ferrero-Gaudio match came in game five of the first set, when the Spaniard recovered from 40-15 down to cut Gaudio's lead to 2-3 and then held serve for the first time to level the scores.
The players shared another break of serve but, incredibly, Gaudio's recovery to 4-4 proved to be the last game he would win, as Ferrero assumed command with the sort of form that took him to the U.S. Open final this month.
A poor attempt at a drop-shot gave Ferrero a break point in game nine and he took it with a perfectly placed backhand pass across court.
Ferrero comfortably held serve for the first set in 62 minutes and moved 3-0 ahead in the second by returning a smash from Gaudio with a lob and then clinching the point with a drop-shot.
Gaudio was by now thoroughly demoralised, offering little resistance as Ferrero took the set in 27 minutes and moved 5-0 up in the third.
Serving for the match, Ferrero saved four break points before converting his second match point with a drive volley.
If you haven't checked out the Davis Cup site here's the schedule of play for the Spain vs. Argentina tie
19 September - 21 September 2003
Day 1: 1130 hrs (GMT 0930 hrs)
Day 2: 1230 hrs (GMT 1030 hrs)
Day 3: 1130 hrs (GMT 0930 hrs)
R1 - J.FERRERO (ESP) vs G.GAUDIO (ARG)
R2 - C.MOYA (ESP) vs M.ZABALETA (ARG)
R3 - A.CORRETJA / A.COSTA (ESP) vs L.ARNOLD / A.CALLERI (ARG)
R4 - J.FERRERO (ESP) vs M.ZABALETA (ARG)
R5 - C.MOYA (ESP) vs G.GAUDIO (ARG)
19 September - 21 September 2003
Day 1: 1130 hrs (GMT 0930 hrs)
Day 2: 1230 hrs (GMT 1030 hrs)
Day 3: 1130 hrs (GMT 0930 hrs)
R1 - J.FERRERO (ESP) vs G.GAUDIO (ARG)
R2 - C.MOYA (ESP) vs M.ZABALETA (ARG)
R3 - A.CORRETJA / A.COSTA (ESP) vs L.ARNOLD / A.CALLERI (ARG)
R4 - J.FERRERO (ESP) vs M.ZABALETA (ARG)
R5 - C.MOYA (ESP) vs G.GAUDIO (ARG)
New interview with JC talking about his upcoming match against Gaudio.
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pic: shaking hands with Gaudio (again)
pic: the two teams
pic: same pic different angle
pic: the Spanish boys
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pic: shaking hands with Gaudio (again)
pic: the two teams
pic: same pic different angle
pic: the Spanish boys
Thursday, September 18, 2003
Draw in Spain Confirms Argentine Injury Withdrawals
There are two ways of looking at the World Group semifinal tie to be played in a makeshift 12,000-seater arena on the western edge of Malaga.
The first and obvious way is to say that with Argentina’s two best players Guillermo Coria and David Nalbandian missing through injury, Spain should have an easy run to the final. The hamstring injury Coria picked up at the US Open and the stomach and wrist problems suffered by Nalbandian have turned what was a very 50:50 tie two weeks ago into one in which Spain are strong favourites.
But there are enough indicators to suggest it may not be quite so simple, and that a second view, in which Argentina have an outside though realistic chance, can be justified.
Gaston Gaudio opens the tie against the new world No. 1 Juan Carlos Ferrero. They have played nine times, and Gaudio has won five of them. “We have known each other for a long time,” the Argentine says, “and I know where he likes to hit the ball, so that means we have close matches.”
Another factor in Argentina’s favour is that the tag of world No. 1 hasn’t always been kind to its carriers in the Davis Cup. John McEnroe, Jim Courier, Pete Sampras and Lleyton Hewitt have all lost in finals as the best in the world, and with Ferrero back on clay after his impressive exploits on the North American hard courts, the time could be good for Gaudio to strike.
Asked whether being No. 1 would give a different feel to the match, Ferrero said no, but he did admit that readjusting from the hard courts of North America, where he reached the US Open final, was taking time. “It’s not easy to get back to the clay, but we’re Spanish guys, we play well on clay, so we don’t need so much time to get used to it again.”
Though both Agustin Calleri at 16 and Mariano Zabaleta at 24 are ranked above Gaudio, the 24-year-old Gaudio (ranked 32) was probably the easiest singles selection for Argentina’s non-playing captain Gustavo Luza. Gaudio has won 13 of his 14 matches in Davis Cup by BNP Paribas, whereas Calleri’s only live win came in the qualifying round three years ago, and Zabaleta has yet to win a live rubber.
As such Carlos Moya is strongly fancied to beat Zabaleta in the second singles, even though the former world No. 1 has struggled for consistency since the French Open season, with the one exception of his 14th career title on the clay of Umag, Croatia. That came just after Zabaleta won his second career title, which also came on European red clay in Båstad, Sweden.
All eight nominated players are set to play, with Calleri partnering the Argentine doubles specialist Lucas Arnold in Saturday’s doubles against the bronze medallists from the Sydney Olympics, Alex Corretja and Albert Costa.
--> taken from official davis cup website.
There are two ways of looking at the World Group semifinal tie to be played in a makeshift 12,000-seater arena on the western edge of Malaga.
The first and obvious way is to say that with Argentina’s two best players Guillermo Coria and David Nalbandian missing through injury, Spain should have an easy run to the final. The hamstring injury Coria picked up at the US Open and the stomach and wrist problems suffered by Nalbandian have turned what was a very 50:50 tie two weeks ago into one in which Spain are strong favourites.
But there are enough indicators to suggest it may not be quite so simple, and that a second view, in which Argentina have an outside though realistic chance, can be justified.
Gaston Gaudio opens the tie against the new world No. 1 Juan Carlos Ferrero. They have played nine times, and Gaudio has won five of them. “We have known each other for a long time,” the Argentine says, “and I know where he likes to hit the ball, so that means we have close matches.”
Another factor in Argentina’s favour is that the tag of world No. 1 hasn’t always been kind to its carriers in the Davis Cup. John McEnroe, Jim Courier, Pete Sampras and Lleyton Hewitt have all lost in finals as the best in the world, and with Ferrero back on clay after his impressive exploits on the North American hard courts, the time could be good for Gaudio to strike.
Asked whether being No. 1 would give a different feel to the match, Ferrero said no, but he did admit that readjusting from the hard courts of North America, where he reached the US Open final, was taking time. “It’s not easy to get back to the clay, but we’re Spanish guys, we play well on clay, so we don’t need so much time to get used to it again.”
Though both Agustin Calleri at 16 and Mariano Zabaleta at 24 are ranked above Gaudio, the 24-year-old Gaudio (ranked 32) was probably the easiest singles selection for Argentina’s non-playing captain Gustavo Luza. Gaudio has won 13 of his 14 matches in Davis Cup by BNP Paribas, whereas Calleri’s only live win came in the qualifying round three years ago, and Zabaleta has yet to win a live rubber.
As such Carlos Moya is strongly fancied to beat Zabaleta in the second singles, even though the former world No. 1 has struggled for consistency since the French Open season, with the one exception of his 14th career title on the clay of Umag, Croatia. That came just after Zabaleta won his second career title, which also came on European red clay in Båstad, Sweden.
All eight nominated players are set to play, with Calleri partnering the Argentine doubles specialist Lucas Arnold in Saturday’s doubles against the bronze medallists from the Sydney Olympics, Alex Corretja and Albert Costa.
--> taken from official davis cup website.
Tuesday, September 16, 2003
JC during Davis Cup practice =)
pic: taking a break
pic: same as above but smaller and without text
new --> pic: forehand
new --> pic: another forehand
pic: taking a break
pic: same as above but smaller and without text
new --> pic: forehand
new --> pic: another forehand
Monday, September 15, 2003
Spain look too strong
It had been billed as the battle of the claycourt heavyweights but the clash between Argentina and Spain in the Davis Cup semi-final next weekend is turning into a damp squib even before a ball is hit.
The tie in Malaga, Spain, had promised to be a slugfest between four top 10 players, however, the withdrawals of injured Argentines Guillermo Coria and David Nalbandian has tipped the balance in favour of the hosts.
While French Open champion and newly-crowned world number one Juan Carlos Ferrero will spearhead the Spanish challenge, he will be ably aided in the singles by Carlos Moya, a former world number one now ranked sixth.
Argentina will be hampered by the absence of Coria and Nalbandian as the duo would have fancied their chances of leading the South Americans to their first title in the team competition.
World number five Coria has claimed four clay court titles this year while Nalbandian agonisingly missed reaching the U.S. Open final last week when he failed to convert a match point against eventual champion Andy Roddick in the semis.
"This is a very unhappy situation for me because I was really looking forward to playing in the Davis Cup," said a dejected Nalbandian, who is suffering from a back strain.
BACK-UP CREW
Argentina's back-up crew of Gaston Gaudio, Agustin Calleri, Mariano Zabaleta and Lucas Arnold will now have the task of steering their country into their first final since 1981.
"It is always difficult to play against the Argentines because they are very strong, especially on clay," said Ferrero, who was runner-up to Roddick at Flushing Meadows last Sunday.
"It will be difficult but we have a good team as well.
"We have the opportunity to be in final again and playing in Malaga we'll have the crowd supporting us."
With the Spaniards already looking to recapture the trophy they won for the first time in 2000, Australia -- winners 27 times -- are preparing to take on a Roger Federer-led Swiss team in the other semi-final.
[...]
It had been billed as the battle of the claycourt heavyweights but the clash between Argentina and Spain in the Davis Cup semi-final next weekend is turning into a damp squib even before a ball is hit.
The tie in Malaga, Spain, had promised to be a slugfest between four top 10 players, however, the withdrawals of injured Argentines Guillermo Coria and David Nalbandian has tipped the balance in favour of the hosts.
While French Open champion and newly-crowned world number one Juan Carlos Ferrero will spearhead the Spanish challenge, he will be ably aided in the singles by Carlos Moya, a former world number one now ranked sixth.
Argentina will be hampered by the absence of Coria and Nalbandian as the duo would have fancied their chances of leading the South Americans to their first title in the team competition.
World number five Coria has claimed four clay court titles this year while Nalbandian agonisingly missed reaching the U.S. Open final last week when he failed to convert a match point against eventual champion Andy Roddick in the semis.
"This is a very unhappy situation for me because I was really looking forward to playing in the Davis Cup," said a dejected Nalbandian, who is suffering from a back strain.
BACK-UP CREW
Argentina's back-up crew of Gaston Gaudio, Agustin Calleri, Mariano Zabaleta and Lucas Arnold will now have the task of steering their country into their first final since 1981.
"It is always difficult to play against the Argentines because they are very strong, especially on clay," said Ferrero, who was runner-up to Roddick at Flushing Meadows last Sunday.
"It will be difficult but we have a good team as well.
"We have the opportunity to be in final again and playing in Malaga we'll have the crowd supporting us."
With the Spaniards already looking to recapture the trophy they won for the first time in 2000, Australia -- winners 27 times -- are preparing to take on a Roger Federer-led Swiss team in the other semi-final.
[...]
Friday, September 12, 2003
from ATP INSIDER
->> - NEW NO. 1 READY TO FIGHT …JUAN CARLOS FERRERO flew back to Spain to prepare for the upcoming Davis Cup semifinal against Argentina as the US Open finalist and new World No. 1 in the ATP Entry Rankings. Despite losing to ANDY RODDICK, the 23-year-old was delighted to join CARLOS MOYA as the only Spaniards to top the ATP Entry Rankings. "I won the semifinals against Agassi on Saturday and believe that I have had time to reflect on [being No. 1]," Ferrero told Spanish magazine MARCA on his way to the airport on Monday morning. "At the end of the match, I felt great and thought that all I had done for tennis had been worth it." And Ferrero, who will be locked in battle with Roddick, Wimbledon champion ROGER FEDERER and ANDRE AGASSI for the year-end No. 1 spot, believes it's an exciting time for men's tennis. "The US Open final is a sign of the generational changeover in the sport," added Ferrero. "I'm going to fight to stay No. 1 for a long time, but the equality between the Top 10 is at its peak and anyone can take over." Ferrero is currently on the cover of the MARCA Spanish media guide.
->> - TOP FOUR QUALIFY FOR HOUSTON… The top four players in the ATP Champions Race 2003 have qualified for the Tennis Masters Cup Houston, the year-end event where the best eight players of 2003 collide. Following their showings at the US Open, the final Grand Slam event of 2003, ANDY RODDICK, JUAN CARLOS FERRERO, ROGER FEDERER and ANDRE AGASSI have guaranteed a place in Houston. They are the four Grand Slam winners of 2003, with Roddick joining the elite group with his spectacular run to the US Open title last week.
[...]
Ferrero, a finalist in Shanghai last year, added: "I'm very happy that I am officially qualified for Houston," Ferrero said. "I've won a Grand Slam and have had good results this year. I've done well at the Masters Cup in Sydney and Shanghai, so I hope to continue that in Houston."
->> - NEW NO. 1 READY TO FIGHT …JUAN CARLOS FERRERO flew back to Spain to prepare for the upcoming Davis Cup semifinal against Argentina as the US Open finalist and new World No. 1 in the ATP Entry Rankings. Despite losing to ANDY RODDICK, the 23-year-old was delighted to join CARLOS MOYA as the only Spaniards to top the ATP Entry Rankings. "I won the semifinals against Agassi on Saturday and believe that I have had time to reflect on [being No. 1]," Ferrero told Spanish magazine MARCA on his way to the airport on Monday morning. "At the end of the match, I felt great and thought that all I had done for tennis had been worth it." And Ferrero, who will be locked in battle with Roddick, Wimbledon champion ROGER FEDERER and ANDRE AGASSI for the year-end No. 1 spot, believes it's an exciting time for men's tennis. "The US Open final is a sign of the generational changeover in the sport," added Ferrero. "I'm going to fight to stay No. 1 for a long time, but the equality between the Top 10 is at its peak and anyone can take over." Ferrero is currently on the cover of the MARCA Spanish media guide.
->> - TOP FOUR QUALIFY FOR HOUSTON… The top four players in the ATP Champions Race 2003 have qualified for the Tennis Masters Cup Houston, the year-end event where the best eight players of 2003 collide. Following their showings at the US Open, the final Grand Slam event of 2003, ANDY RODDICK, JUAN CARLOS FERRERO, ROGER FEDERER and ANDRE AGASSI have guaranteed a place in Houston. They are the four Grand Slam winners of 2003, with Roddick joining the elite group with his spectacular run to the US Open title last week.
[...]
Ferrero, a finalist in Shanghai last year, added: "I'm very happy that I am officially qualified for Houston," Ferrero said. "I've won a Grand Slam and have had good results this year. I've done well at the Masters Cup in Sydney and Shanghai, so I hope to continue that in Houston."
Thursday, September 11, 2003
More Davis Cup news indirectly related to JC though. Coria will NOT compete in the upcoming tie against Spain and Nalbandian is also injured and might not be able to compete either. Though Argentina will be without their best clay-courters they will still be a major threat!! So best of luck to JC and the Spanish Armada!!
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Coria out of Davis Cup debut
Argentina's Guillermo Coria has been ruled out of the Davis Cup semi-final against Spain because of injury.
He had been set to make his debut in the competition, a thigh strain has ended his hopes.
Coria will be replaced by Mariano Zabaleta who played in the 5-0 win over holders Russia in the quarter-final last April.
Coria was called up for the tie in Malaga from 19-21 September thanks to his outstanding form this year.
He has won four titles - the Hamburg Masters Series, and in Stuttgart, Kitzbuehel and Sopot - and reached the semi-final of the French Open.
Coria was considered one of the likely two singles players alongside Gaston Gaudio with David Nalbandian and Agustin Calleri expected to form the doubles pairing.
Nalbandian is also doubtful for the tie because of injury.
-------------------------
Coria out of Davis Cup debut
Argentina's Guillermo Coria has been ruled out of the Davis Cup semi-final against Spain because of injury.
He had been set to make his debut in the competition, a thigh strain has ended his hopes.
Coria will be replaced by Mariano Zabaleta who played in the 5-0 win over holders Russia in the quarter-final last April.
Coria was called up for the tie in Malaga from 19-21 September thanks to his outstanding form this year.
He has won four titles - the Hamburg Masters Series, and in Stuttgart, Kitzbuehel and Sopot - and reached the semi-final of the French Open.
Coria was considered one of the likely two singles players alongside Gaston Gaudio with David Nalbandian and Agustin Calleri expected to form the doubles pairing.
Nalbandian is also doubtful for the tie because of injury.
Hi all. Here's a new JC interview where he talks about the upcoming Davis Cup semifinal against Argentina. Check it out here
Tuesday, September 09, 2003
Ferrero disappointed
As consolation prizes go, $500,000 and the number one world ranking are not bad. But they did little to soothe the sting Juan Carlos Ferrero felt after being pummelled 6-3 7-6 6-3 by American Andy Roddick on Sunday in the final of the U.S. Open.
While the quiet Spaniard, who will take possession of the top ranking on Monday, politely accepted the runner-up cheque the gloomy expression written on his face indicated these were not the reasons he had come to New York.
Indeed, they were small consolation for the 23 year-old, who had stepped onto Arthur Ashe stadium court confident he could add a U.S. Open crown to the French Open title he won in June.
"Right now I am a little bit sad," Ferrero said.
"But I have to think I did a great job these two weeks.
"At the beginning of the week, of the tournament, I didn't expect to be number one and in the final."
The Flushing Meadows fortnight featured an impressive run by Ferrero, who worked his way into his first U.S. Open final against daunting opponents and conditions.
With rain compacting the schedule, the chiseled Spaniard was forced to play four matches in as many days against a murderers row of opponents that included two former champions -- one of them arguably the greatest hardcourt player of all-time.
The minefield the third seed had to manoeuvre through was not for the faint of heart.
A fourth round victory over 1999 U.S. Open finalist Todd Martin was followed by an even more impressive quarter-final win over fiery 2001 champion Lleyton Hewitt.
He capped that with a dazzling semi-final triumph over hard court maestro and eight-time grand slam winner Andre Agassi that landed Ferrero in the final where he could not defuse Roddick's explosive power.
"I was working for that, to play the final, to beat big players like Todd Martin, Hewitt, Agassi and also Roddick," Ferrero said.
"But today was not my day.
"Never before have I experienced four days in a row like this, playing Martin, Hewitt, Agassi and this final today. Never.
"And I hope it doesn't happen again.
"But I learned that I can play pretty good tennis on a hardcourt and I can play against everybody."
As consolation prizes go, $500,000 and the number one world ranking are not bad. But they did little to soothe the sting Juan Carlos Ferrero felt after being pummelled 6-3 7-6 6-3 by American Andy Roddick on Sunday in the final of the U.S. Open.
While the quiet Spaniard, who will take possession of the top ranking on Monday, politely accepted the runner-up cheque the gloomy expression written on his face indicated these were not the reasons he had come to New York.
Indeed, they were small consolation for the 23 year-old, who had stepped onto Arthur Ashe stadium court confident he could add a U.S. Open crown to the French Open title he won in June.
"Right now I am a little bit sad," Ferrero said.
"But I have to think I did a great job these two weeks.
"At the beginning of the week, of the tournament, I didn't expect to be number one and in the final."
The Flushing Meadows fortnight featured an impressive run by Ferrero, who worked his way into his first U.S. Open final against daunting opponents and conditions.
With rain compacting the schedule, the chiseled Spaniard was forced to play four matches in as many days against a murderers row of opponents that included two former champions -- one of them arguably the greatest hardcourt player of all-time.
The minefield the third seed had to manoeuvre through was not for the faint of heart.
A fourth round victory over 1999 U.S. Open finalist Todd Martin was followed by an even more impressive quarter-final win over fiery 2001 champion Lleyton Hewitt.
He capped that with a dazzling semi-final triumph over hard court maestro and eight-time grand slam winner Andre Agassi that landed Ferrero in the final where he could not defuse Roddick's explosive power.
"I was working for that, to play the final, to beat big players like Todd Martin, Hewitt, Agassi and also Roddick," Ferrero said.
"But today was not my day.
"Never before have I experienced four days in a row like this, playing Martin, Hewitt, Agassi and this final today. Never.
"And I hope it doesn't happen again.
"But I learned that I can play pretty good tennis on a hardcourt and I can play against everybody."
Hiya all
It's a pity that Jc didn't win the US open but he did show his best tennis so far and warned the world that he's a complete player. Also he ended this 2 weeks with no 1 ranking. I believe he will win this in future. So for the time being, JC is kind enough to just give out warning but on the future he will blasted them =P.
So guys don't be sad, he got one goal now ;) Congrats JC to the no.1 ranking. I just want too add this article that i think pretty much sum up the match for those who wonders.
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Roddick captures first Slam title at US Open
NEW YORK (AFP) - Andy Roddick blasted high-powered serves with pinpoint accuracy to capture his first Grand Slam tennis title, overwhelming world number one Juan Carlos Ferrero here to win the US Open.
Roddick fired 23 aces and 46 winners past the French Open champion for a 6-3, 7-6 (7/2), 6-3 triumph, the 21-year-old American smashing fireballs that kept the third-seeded Spaniard off balance and under pressure the entire way.
"I took it to him. I was very aggressive," Roddick said. "I think a lot of it had to do with me being pretty aggressive."
Ferrero never broke the powerful serve of Roddick, who connected on 63 percent of his first serves and saved three break points, one in the third game of the match and two more when Roddick held for a 4-3 lead in the final set.
"I knew he served well but this was better than I thought," Ferrero said. "It's very difficult to return his serve. It's very difficult to play him from the baseline. He served so hard all the time. I really didn't feel my rhythm.
"In my service games I had the pressure to win it because I knew it was very difficult, if not impossible, to break his serve."
Roddick extended his ATP Tour-best win streak to 19 matches, improving to 27-1 on hardcourts since Wimbledon and 37-2 since Brad Gilbert began coaching him, and calming him, after a first-round French Open exit.
"When he would get his emotions a little too high, too charged up, it would affect his concentration," Gilbert said. "He tended to go big and bigger.
"The serve is the same. He's working all the spots. He used to go too big all the time. He mixes it up better now. I think when you use your head out there, good things happen."
Roddick wept after blasting a 133-mph ace past Ferrero on match point to achieve a dream. Then the 21-year-old American climbed into the stands at Arthur Ashe Stadium to share a hug with his family after a million-dollar win.
"I was getting goosebumps," Roddick said. "I'm in absolute disbelief. I'm kind of shocked. I just can't imagine my name and US Open champion together. It's more than I could ever dream."
Roddick used a forehand winner to deny Ferrero on a break point in the third game of the first set, then broke him in the next game and went on to claim the first set with an ace after 28 minutes.
Neither man mustered a break point in the second set, setting up a tie-break in which Roddick sent a forehand wide to give Ferrero a 2-1 lead.
But Ferrero fired four errant forehands in the next five points and Roddick finished the set with a forehand winner to take command.
"The part that surprised me was the second-set tie-breaker," Roddick said. "He made a couple errors that maybe he normally wouldn't."
In the last set, Ferrero saved three break points in the sixth game and Roddick rescued a pair in the seventh game. In the eighth, Ferrero committed his first double fault of the match to hand Roddick the only break he needed.
"I knew there was a good chance if I got the break I was going to win," said Roddick.
"Earlier in the set I didn't hit the ball very well. I was just hoping he'd miss. The next game I calmed down and decided to hit through the ball."
Roddick ended matters with a 133-mph ace after one hour and 42 minutes.
"I just wanted to go as fast as possible so I didn't have to think about it," Roddick said.
Joining Stefan Edberg as the only former US Open boys champions to win the men's crown, Roddick became the eighth different Slam champion in as many events, matching the longest such streak in Slam history.
Roddick came within a point of being ousted from the tournament in the semi-finals, saving a match point in the third set before rallying to defeat Argentina's David Nalbandian in five sets over 3 1/2 hours Saturday.
Ferrero, 23, said he was not affected by an unprecedented Slam endurance test of four matches in as many days, spending eight hours on the court in three days prior to the final thanks to a compressed schedule due to rain.
"I didn't play my best tennis but Andy played so good," Ferrero said. "He served unbelievable and I couldn't do so much of what I do."
Ferrero won his first Slam title in June at the French Open and will be the new ATP world number one Monday after beating top seed Andre Agassi in the semi-finals. Roddick will move past Agassi into second place.
"I feel a litle bit sad right now but tomorrow I'll be number one so it will be a big day for me," Ferrero said.
Roddick denied Ferrero the first US Open title for a Spaniard since Manuel Orantes won his 1975 crown on clay.
It's a pity that Jc didn't win the US open but he did show his best tennis so far and warned the world that he's a complete player. Also he ended this 2 weeks with no 1 ranking. I believe he will win this in future. So for the time being, JC is kind enough to just give out warning but on the future he will blasted them =P.
So guys don't be sad, he got one goal now ;) Congrats JC to the no.1 ranking. I just want too add this article that i think pretty much sum up the match for those who wonders.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Roddick captures first Slam title at US Open
NEW YORK (AFP) - Andy Roddick blasted high-powered serves with pinpoint accuracy to capture his first Grand Slam tennis title, overwhelming world number one Juan Carlos Ferrero here to win the US Open.
Roddick fired 23 aces and 46 winners past the French Open champion for a 6-3, 7-6 (7/2), 6-3 triumph, the 21-year-old American smashing fireballs that kept the third-seeded Spaniard off balance and under pressure the entire way.
"I took it to him. I was very aggressive," Roddick said. "I think a lot of it had to do with me being pretty aggressive."
Ferrero never broke the powerful serve of Roddick, who connected on 63 percent of his first serves and saved three break points, one in the third game of the match and two more when Roddick held for a 4-3 lead in the final set.
"I knew he served well but this was better than I thought," Ferrero said. "It's very difficult to return his serve. It's very difficult to play him from the baseline. He served so hard all the time. I really didn't feel my rhythm.
"In my service games I had the pressure to win it because I knew it was very difficult, if not impossible, to break his serve."
Roddick extended his ATP Tour-best win streak to 19 matches, improving to 27-1 on hardcourts since Wimbledon and 37-2 since Brad Gilbert began coaching him, and calming him, after a first-round French Open exit.
"When he would get his emotions a little too high, too charged up, it would affect his concentration," Gilbert said. "He tended to go big and bigger.
"The serve is the same. He's working all the spots. He used to go too big all the time. He mixes it up better now. I think when you use your head out there, good things happen."
Roddick wept after blasting a 133-mph ace past Ferrero on match point to achieve a dream. Then the 21-year-old American climbed into the stands at Arthur Ashe Stadium to share a hug with his family after a million-dollar win.
"I was getting goosebumps," Roddick said. "I'm in absolute disbelief. I'm kind of shocked. I just can't imagine my name and US Open champion together. It's more than I could ever dream."
Roddick used a forehand winner to deny Ferrero on a break point in the third game of the first set, then broke him in the next game and went on to claim the first set with an ace after 28 minutes.
Neither man mustered a break point in the second set, setting up a tie-break in which Roddick sent a forehand wide to give Ferrero a 2-1 lead.
But Ferrero fired four errant forehands in the next five points and Roddick finished the set with a forehand winner to take command.
"The part that surprised me was the second-set tie-breaker," Roddick said. "He made a couple errors that maybe he normally wouldn't."
In the last set, Ferrero saved three break points in the sixth game and Roddick rescued a pair in the seventh game. In the eighth, Ferrero committed his first double fault of the match to hand Roddick the only break he needed.
"I knew there was a good chance if I got the break I was going to win," said Roddick.
"Earlier in the set I didn't hit the ball very well. I was just hoping he'd miss. The next game I calmed down and decided to hit through the ball."
Roddick ended matters with a 133-mph ace after one hour and 42 minutes.
"I just wanted to go as fast as possible so I didn't have to think about it," Roddick said.
Joining Stefan Edberg as the only former US Open boys champions to win the men's crown, Roddick became the eighth different Slam champion in as many events, matching the longest such streak in Slam history.
Roddick came within a point of being ousted from the tournament in the semi-finals, saving a match point in the third set before rallying to defeat Argentina's David Nalbandian in five sets over 3 1/2 hours Saturday.
Ferrero, 23, said he was not affected by an unprecedented Slam endurance test of four matches in as many days, spending eight hours on the court in three days prior to the final thanks to a compressed schedule due to rain.
"I didn't play my best tennis but Andy played so good," Ferrero said. "He served unbelievable and I couldn't do so much of what I do."
Ferrero won his first Slam title in June at the French Open and will be the new ATP world number one Monday after beating top seed Andre Agassi in the semi-finals. Roddick will move past Agassi into second place.
"I feel a litle bit sad right now but tomorrow I'll be number one so it will be a big day for me," Ferrero said.
Roddick denied Ferrero the first US Open title for a Spaniard since Manuel Orantes won his 1975 crown on clay.
Monday, September 08, 2003
After an amazing run these past two weeks JC was just too tired to pull off another upset losing to Roddick 6-3, 7-6, 6-3 in the finals. =( He just seemed disheartened and frustrated throughout the entire match. Though he had a couple chances to break Roddick's serve he just couldn't convert.
Despite his loss though JC is the new world #1 and he is assured a spot in the year end championship this year in Houston!! So BIG CONGRATS to him!!
Here are a few photos from the final. Warning some are quite heartbreaking... but not as emotionally wrenching as the one's from Shanghai last year.
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pic: backhand
pic: a little down
pic: wiping his brow
pic: return
pic: looking down
pic: trophy pesentation
pic: frustrated
pic: hands on hips
pic: walking off the court
pic: during the ceremony
pic: sweat
pic: overhead
pic: forehand
pic: JC and Andy
Despite his loss though JC is the new world #1 and he is assured a spot in the year end championship this year in Houston!! So BIG CONGRATS to him!!
Here are a few photos from the final. Warning some are quite heartbreaking... but not as emotionally wrenching as the one's from Shanghai last year.
---------------------
pic: backhand
pic: a little down
pic: wiping his brow
pic: return
pic: looking down
pic: trophy pesentation
pic: frustrated
pic: hands on hips
pic: walking off the court
pic: during the ceremony
pic: sweat
pic: overhead
pic: forehand
pic: JC and Andy
Sunday, September 07, 2003
pic: forehand
pic: eyeing the ball
pic: stretch
pic: thank you
pic: leap
pic: yessss!!l
pic: with Agassi
pic: victory
pic: victory 2
pic: falling to his knees
pic: kneeling
pic: upset
pic: fist pump
pic: winning the 2nd set
pic: return
pic: running cross court
pic: pumped
pic: reach
pic: winning is sweet
pic: for his mom
pic: on to the finals
pic: new world #1
pic: handshake
Roddick and Ferrero: It's On
There are plenty of tennis fans who have watched two halves of the men’s singles draw shrink, pulling together a combustive, highly-anticipated face-off between the old guard of American tennis and the new. Top-seeded Andre Agassi, the oldest man in the draw at 33, versus No. 4 Andy Roddick, the youngest at 21; both Americans, both beloved – and practically on a collision course since the tournament started 13 days ago.
But Agassi won’t be there tomorrow. And for those who will consider changing channels because they don’t recognize the young player across the net from Roddick, too bad. More great tennis for the rest of us.
Juan Carlos Ferrero, who is named for the king of his native Spain and nicknamed "the mosquito," dethroned Agassi from the leading spot in the rankings today, becoming the No. 1 player in the world at age 23. He is the reigning champion of Roland Garros, winning his first Grand Slam title there this year. He’s every bit as dashing as the wholesome and popular Roddick, and he’s playing the best hard court tennis of his career. Which means, of course, that tomorrow’s match qualifies as must-see TV.
It will be the first time the two men have played each other, and Flushing Meadows is territory that each man has a special urgency to own. Roddick will be playing in his first Grand Slam final, carrying the weight of expectation that comes with a likeable player on a tear – he has the most consecutive wins on tour this year at 18 -- who also has the ability to generate a unanimous roar from 23,000 people sitting in his home country’s Arthur Ashe stadium.
Ferrero, on the other hand, is carrying a bit of a chip on his shoulder. He didn’t play on center court until the Agassi match (although his fourth round match against American Todd Martin was supposed to be on Ashe until the post-rain schedule forced them to move to Louis Armstrong). To that, he said, “(It) is strange that today is my first match on the center court. I think it's not really normal being…the No. 3 in the world that I was.” Plus, he’s continually touted as a clay court player who won’t pose a threat at the majors on asphalt.
Roddick should consider the threat posed. Ferrero’s phenomenal shot making left Agassi completely unnerved, and his warm-up match to meeting the No. 1 was Lleyton Hewitt, whom many picked to win it all. Ferrero also plays very similarly to David Nalbandian, who had two sets plus a match point on the American before Roddick’s comeback. Ferrero, like Nalbandian, has a precise, powerful backcourt game and good returns, which could give Acing Andy fits. The Spaniard also played four sets today instead of Roddick’s gut-wrenching five, and headed home to a big plate of pasta and a comfortable bed long before Roddick did.
Ferrero is only the second Spaniard to get to the finals of the US Open since 1975, when Manual Orantes defeated another feisty young American, a 23-year-old Jimmy Connors. But then, the Championship was on clay at Forest Hills. And the pro-US crowd wasn’t quite as gargantuan as it is today. They will definitely make their voices heard for Roddick, who loves to egg them on with his face-grabbing, wide-eyed expressions and a propensity to leap into the stands when he wins.
Seeing Roddick hoist the first-place trophy will be almost farcical, but sweet – the jocular good-times guy coming of age. For Ferrero, it will be a national triumph.
Ferrero’s advantages are, for one, Grand Slam final experience, and second, the confidence of having already snagged the top ranking. He got his wish of opponents, too. Ferrero hinted that he’d rather play Roddick since he’s 0-1 against Nalbandian, but conceded, “He’s in house. He’s playing his first final. He came to win two Masters Series, so he’s with a lot of confidence. We'll see.”
It’ll be a good show. And we’ll be tuning in.
There are plenty of tennis fans who have watched two halves of the men’s singles draw shrink, pulling together a combustive, highly-anticipated face-off between the old guard of American tennis and the new. Top-seeded Andre Agassi, the oldest man in the draw at 33, versus No. 4 Andy Roddick, the youngest at 21; both Americans, both beloved – and practically on a collision course since the tournament started 13 days ago.
But Agassi won’t be there tomorrow. And for those who will consider changing channels because they don’t recognize the young player across the net from Roddick, too bad. More great tennis for the rest of us.
Juan Carlos Ferrero, who is named for the king of his native Spain and nicknamed "the mosquito," dethroned Agassi from the leading spot in the rankings today, becoming the No. 1 player in the world at age 23. He is the reigning champion of Roland Garros, winning his first Grand Slam title there this year. He’s every bit as dashing as the wholesome and popular Roddick, and he’s playing the best hard court tennis of his career. Which means, of course, that tomorrow’s match qualifies as must-see TV.
It will be the first time the two men have played each other, and Flushing Meadows is territory that each man has a special urgency to own. Roddick will be playing in his first Grand Slam final, carrying the weight of expectation that comes with a likeable player on a tear – he has the most consecutive wins on tour this year at 18 -- who also has the ability to generate a unanimous roar from 23,000 people sitting in his home country’s Arthur Ashe stadium.
Ferrero, on the other hand, is carrying a bit of a chip on his shoulder. He didn’t play on center court until the Agassi match (although his fourth round match against American Todd Martin was supposed to be on Ashe until the post-rain schedule forced them to move to Louis Armstrong). To that, he said, “(It) is strange that today is my first match on the center court. I think it's not really normal being…the No. 3 in the world that I was.” Plus, he’s continually touted as a clay court player who won’t pose a threat at the majors on asphalt.
Roddick should consider the threat posed. Ferrero’s phenomenal shot making left Agassi completely unnerved, and his warm-up match to meeting the No. 1 was Lleyton Hewitt, whom many picked to win it all. Ferrero also plays very similarly to David Nalbandian, who had two sets plus a match point on the American before Roddick’s comeback. Ferrero, like Nalbandian, has a precise, powerful backcourt game and good returns, which could give Acing Andy fits. The Spaniard also played four sets today instead of Roddick’s gut-wrenching five, and headed home to a big plate of pasta and a comfortable bed long before Roddick did.
Ferrero is only the second Spaniard to get to the finals of the US Open since 1975, when Manual Orantes defeated another feisty young American, a 23-year-old Jimmy Connors. But then, the Championship was on clay at Forest Hills. And the pro-US crowd wasn’t quite as gargantuan as it is today. They will definitely make their voices heard for Roddick, who loves to egg them on with his face-grabbing, wide-eyed expressions and a propensity to leap into the stands when he wins.
Seeing Roddick hoist the first-place trophy will be almost farcical, but sweet – the jocular good-times guy coming of age. For Ferrero, it will be a national triumph.
Ferrero’s advantages are, for one, Grand Slam final experience, and second, the confidence of having already snagged the top ranking. He got his wish of opponents, too. Ferrero hinted that he’d rather play Roddick since he’s 0-1 against Nalbandian, but conceded, “He’s in house. He’s playing his first final. He came to win two Masters Series, so he’s with a lot of confidence. We'll see.”
It’ll be a good show. And we’ll be tuning in.
Wow!! Predicted that JC would win in 4 and look he did!!! Not only is he in the finals but he's also the new world #1!! Congrats and best of luck in the final.
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Ferrero Flattens Agassi, Advances to Final for First Time
Juan Carlos Ferrero finally played his first match of the tournament on Arthur Ashe Stadium, and he never looked more at home.
The No. 3 seed from Onteniente, Spain took on No. 1 Andre Agassi, who practically camps out here every year, having reached nine US Open semifinals and five finals, twice winning the championship. Ferrero, obviously not cowed by the occasion, the place or the opponent, stunned Agassi and a partisan crowd, 6-4, 6-3, 3-6, 6-4, seizing the No. 1 world ranking with the win.
The semifinal was a clash between the two remaining players in the men's draw who have previously won Grand Slams.
Ferrero, this year's French Open champion, is considered the pre-eminent claycourter in the men's game, but he grew up in Spain playing on hard courts and has been determined to prove that he is no dirtball specialist. With his victory over the man who has more accumulated hard-court titles than any man in history, he did that.
"Finally, I think I'm doing what I want," Ferrero said. "I think right now it's my time."
Ferrero looked fresh and came out blasting, serving notice that he belonged on this stage. He broke Agassi in the opening game and raced to a two-sets-to-love lead. Anyone expecting the loopy groundstrokes of a claycourter may have been shocked at Ferrero's rifled forehands and pinpoint, two-fisted backhands. Ferrero nailed 51 winners, against just 32 unforced errors.
The Spaniard's penetrating backcourt play off both wings kept Agassi off balance, and Ferrero employed his vastly improved serve to get himself out of trouble spots. Agassi, meanwhile, was unable to dictate play and had difficulty winning free points with his erratic serve. He connected with only 51 percent of his first serves in the match. Agassi said, "He was just taking care of business better than I was."
Ferrero was playing his third match in three days, having survived a tough, rain-delayed five-setter against Todd Martin in the round of 16 and a four-set win over Lleyton Hewitt in the quarters. Agassi, who had a rest day on Thursday, had played five fewer sets and spent nearly three and half less hours on court than his opponent. Yet at 23-years-old, Ferrero is a decade younger than Agassi, the oldest man in the draw.
Ferrero served for the first set at 5-2. But Agassi broke and riddled off nine straight points. At 5-4, Ferrero survived two break points and slammed a floater to take the first set and derail the Agassi comeback.
Ferrero again broke Agassi to start the second. The players traded breaks of serve and at 3-5, Agassi was under siege, serving to stay in the second set. In a game that went to eight deuces, Ferrero finally ripped a forehand return down the line to gain his fourth set point. Agassi double-faulted to put himself in a deep hole, down two sets to love.
In the third set, Agassi began to find his rhythm and win some easy points on serve. At one-all, Agassi hit a soft lob over Ferrero's head that landed inches from the baseline; Ferrero ran it down at full speed and spectacularly slammed the ball back between his legs. Agassi angled a volley short in the court and Ferrero, on the dead run, stroked a crosscourt forehand winner. It was one of the points of the tournament, and Ferrero took his first round of bows.
In a critical game at 3-3, Ferrero earned two break points to move close to a straight-sets victory, but Agassi, suddenly looking more confident, closed the door. He then cracked a winner on Ferrero's serve to grab his first lead, at 5-3, after nearly two hours of play. Ferrero began to make a spate of errors and, for the first time, appeared to doubt himself. Agassi took the third set, 6-3, inspiring roars from the afternoon crowd.
At 4-4 in the fourth, with Agassi two games from squeezing out a fifth set and Ferrero just two games from triumph, the Spaniard hit two sparkling service returns to go up love-30. Agassi then sailed a forehand 10 feet over the baseline, and Ferrero broke him at love to serve for the match.
Ferrero immediately got down to three break points on his service game, but he got back to deuce and smacked a huge forehand off a deep floater to earn his first match point. Agassi knocked a forehand wide, and Ferrero dropped to his knees. As he basked in the glory of his upset over Agassi, Ferrero pointed up at the blue sky, a tribute to his mother, whom he lost to cancer as a child.
Since his junior days, Ferrero has gone by the nickname "El Mosquito," a reference to his slight build and ability to zip almost unseen around the court. His beefed-up groundstrokes and serve, and heavyweight sense of duty in big matches, suggest that it may be time come up with a new sobriquet.
------------------------------------
Ferrero Flattens Agassi, Advances to Final for First Time
Juan Carlos Ferrero finally played his first match of the tournament on Arthur Ashe Stadium, and he never looked more at home.
The No. 3 seed from Onteniente, Spain took on No. 1 Andre Agassi, who practically camps out here every year, having reached nine US Open semifinals and five finals, twice winning the championship. Ferrero, obviously not cowed by the occasion, the place or the opponent, stunned Agassi and a partisan crowd, 6-4, 6-3, 3-6, 6-4, seizing the No. 1 world ranking with the win.
The semifinal was a clash between the two remaining players in the men's draw who have previously won Grand Slams.
Ferrero, this year's French Open champion, is considered the pre-eminent claycourter in the men's game, but he grew up in Spain playing on hard courts and has been determined to prove that he is no dirtball specialist. With his victory over the man who has more accumulated hard-court titles than any man in history, he did that.
"Finally, I think I'm doing what I want," Ferrero said. "I think right now it's my time."
Ferrero looked fresh and came out blasting, serving notice that he belonged on this stage. He broke Agassi in the opening game and raced to a two-sets-to-love lead. Anyone expecting the loopy groundstrokes of a claycourter may have been shocked at Ferrero's rifled forehands and pinpoint, two-fisted backhands. Ferrero nailed 51 winners, against just 32 unforced errors.
The Spaniard's penetrating backcourt play off both wings kept Agassi off balance, and Ferrero employed his vastly improved serve to get himself out of trouble spots. Agassi, meanwhile, was unable to dictate play and had difficulty winning free points with his erratic serve. He connected with only 51 percent of his first serves in the match. Agassi said, "He was just taking care of business better than I was."
Ferrero was playing his third match in three days, having survived a tough, rain-delayed five-setter against Todd Martin in the round of 16 and a four-set win over Lleyton Hewitt in the quarters. Agassi, who had a rest day on Thursday, had played five fewer sets and spent nearly three and half less hours on court than his opponent. Yet at 23-years-old, Ferrero is a decade younger than Agassi, the oldest man in the draw.
Ferrero served for the first set at 5-2. But Agassi broke and riddled off nine straight points. At 5-4, Ferrero survived two break points and slammed a floater to take the first set and derail the Agassi comeback.
Ferrero again broke Agassi to start the second. The players traded breaks of serve and at 3-5, Agassi was under siege, serving to stay in the second set. In a game that went to eight deuces, Ferrero finally ripped a forehand return down the line to gain his fourth set point. Agassi double-faulted to put himself in a deep hole, down two sets to love.
In the third set, Agassi began to find his rhythm and win some easy points on serve. At one-all, Agassi hit a soft lob over Ferrero's head that landed inches from the baseline; Ferrero ran it down at full speed and spectacularly slammed the ball back between his legs. Agassi angled a volley short in the court and Ferrero, on the dead run, stroked a crosscourt forehand winner. It was one of the points of the tournament, and Ferrero took his first round of bows.
In a critical game at 3-3, Ferrero earned two break points to move close to a straight-sets victory, but Agassi, suddenly looking more confident, closed the door. He then cracked a winner on Ferrero's serve to grab his first lead, at 5-3, after nearly two hours of play. Ferrero began to make a spate of errors and, for the first time, appeared to doubt himself. Agassi took the third set, 6-3, inspiring roars from the afternoon crowd.
At 4-4 in the fourth, with Agassi two games from squeezing out a fifth set and Ferrero just two games from triumph, the Spaniard hit two sparkling service returns to go up love-30. Agassi then sailed a forehand 10 feet over the baseline, and Ferrero broke him at love to serve for the match.
Ferrero immediately got down to three break points on his service game, but he got back to deuce and smacked a huge forehand off a deep floater to earn his first match point. Agassi knocked a forehand wide, and Ferrero dropped to his knees. As he basked in the glory of his upset over Agassi, Ferrero pointed up at the blue sky, a tribute to his mother, whom he lost to cancer as a child.
Since his junior days, Ferrero has gone by the nickname "El Mosquito," a reference to his slight build and ability to zip almost unseen around the court. His beefed-up groundstrokes and serve, and heavyweight sense of duty in big matches, suggest that it may be time come up with a new sobriquet.
Post Match Interview
JC def. Agassi 6-4, 6-3, 3-6, 6-4
Q. How do you feel? You get the No. 1 spot and you get to a US Open final.
JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: I feel so excited. I'm really happy for both things. You know, is the first time I am in the final on the US Open. I am playing a great tennis on hard courts. I couldn't play this kind of tennis this years, you know, in 2000, 2001 and 2002, I couldn't play so well here. Finally, I think I'm doing like I want.
To be at No. 1, you know, it's a special day for me. I knew before the match that if I win the match I will be a No. 1. So I'm really, really happy.
Q. When you won that point after the between-the-leg shot and then the cross-court winner at the net, you stood in the stadium and you lifted your arms up. What was it like for that moment to be cheered by the crowd here?
JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: You know, I did this because, you know, it's a special shot. You know, is the second time in the tournament that I do this shot and, you know, it's pretty difficult. After this shot, he does the volley and I win also the point.
It was a special point that I had to do this, you know.
Q. Did you feel, though, appreciated by the crowd which had been rooting for him? Did you feel, by their applause, they were finally appreciating you?
JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: I feel the applause to Agassi all the time. But, you know, I think was normal today because everybody -- and also because he was losing all the time.
But I think the people also, you know, is great for me, with me. I know is the first time I played in center court and beat Agassi, it's normal the people doesn't like a lot of, you know...
But I think is normal.
Q. What was the turning point for you in the match?
JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: What?
Q. What was the turning point for you in your match today?
JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: I think, you know, when I was 3-2 on breakpoint for me in the third set and I lose this game, and also the set, it was a difficult moment for me. Because I was playing so good in the third set. You know, I thought if I win this game 3-2, and I did a break 4-2 on my serve. Was down to the match for me.
Finally, I could win in the fourth playing the same level as the whole match.
Q. Obviously, people who follow tennis closely know who you are. Why do you think it is that the general public, at least around here, might not know as much about you as they might a No. 1? You're the No. 1 player in the world now.
JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: I think they didn't know me so much because I didn't play so good here in the US Open. America is pretty big. If you don't play pretty good here, the people don't know you.
But this time I think the people is gonna know me very good. I win Agassi; he's very popular here. I'm in the final beating Hewitt, Agassi and Todd Martin - you know, one of the guys that are playing so good in hard court, and especially in hard court.
So I think right now it's my time.
Q. Did you feel like you had something to prove coming in, you know, what we're talking about here, that people maybe underestimated you, also that you could play on hard court? You're always just considered a clay courter. Did you want to show you could on hard court?
JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: I think I show it before. It's not only this time that I am playing good in hard courts, you know. I think last year in Shanghai I played pretty good in hard court. This time I am playing pretty good in hard court. Also Australia I did quarterfinals, you know.
So is not the first time that I am playing good on hard court. So I think I don't have to -- I don't have to show to everybody that I can play good also on hard court.
Q. Were you a little bit tired at the end of the third?
JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: Yes, a little bit. You know, I think is normal because I played eight sets in two days, and four more today.
So I feel, you know, a little bit tired, but I think I'm gonna be okay for tomorrow because I have a lot of hours to improve.
Q. Do you remember, when you were a kid, when you first thought about being No. 1? I'm sure as a child you dreamt about.
JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: No, not really. No (smiling).
Q. It wasn't a goal?
JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: Yeah, was a goal, of course. Because all the year I was pretty close to No. 1, 2, 3, 4 all the time. Pretty much after winning French Open, I was pretty close to be No. 1. Also in Wimbledon, you know. Also in the tournaments like Kitzbuhel, you know, Montreal, Cincinnati. I couldn't be the No. 1. Finally, was my time here.
Q. Andre said that if it is Andy Roddick tomorrow and he is serving well, it is going to be very difficult for you to beat him because his serve is such a weapon. Do you look at it that way, that you're going to be behind?
JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: I know that if he serves so good, it's pretty difficult to break him. But also Verkerk in the tournament of French Open, he was serving like 200, 210, 220 all the time. I did the breaks on the final.
So if he wins, because we have to see, I don't know... Who knows?
But if he serve very good, it's not easy to break. But we'll see.
Q. In a lot of ways you beat Andre in his own game today - using a big serve to set up your power baseline game. Was that your game plan going in, counterpunch him shot for shot?
JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: Yeah. I was focus my game on the serve, you know. I knew that I have to serve so good. Base of the line, you know, I was playing so well. I return very well as well.
So I think I did the perfect match.
Q. After losing the third set, did you have any feeling at all that maybe it was slipping away a little bit? How did you get yourself back?
JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: You know, I felt the pression because I knew if he win the fourth set -- I still had to win two sets, the third and the fourth. I was thinking that he was gonna be so strong in the fifth. Also the crowd start to support him much than before, you know. I knew that I have to try to win in fourth, and I did it well.
Q. Is there anything you've done this year to really step up your hard court game? Have you played more, practiced more on hard courts? Changed your strategy?
JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: No, I did the same. I did the same as last years, you know. But, you know, I know that when I am playing good, I can play the same level on clay court and on hard courts. I think right now I am showing to everybody.
Q. You hit so many winners. Are you in the zone right now? Do you feel like you can hit a winner from anywhere?
JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: Yeah, maybe (smiling). You know, no, I am playing good. I am with a lot of confidence. I can do every shot.
Q. Some of the foreign players had complained a little bit during the last week that the American players were getting favored, poor treatment, scheduling, all that. Does it factor in you are playing an American? After the last week we had, was that part of the motivation for you to beat an American at the US Open?
JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: Is strange that today is my first match on the center court. This is strange for me.
But I know that the American guys go first than me here in this tournament. But the only thing that I want to say, that if this tournament wins a lot of money with us, with the players, you know, and they have to do some more people to dry the courts, you know. All the courts at the same time , not first the center court, 45 minutes later the Louis Armstrong or whatever, Grandstand, whatever. Doesn't matter. They have to have more people to dry the courts faster - not faster, at the same time.
Because if not, it's happen like the other day. Agassi won in three sets to Dent, and I did only one set, only for the dry courts. So this is not right, I think.
JC def. Agassi 6-4, 6-3, 3-6, 6-4
Q. How do you feel? You get the No. 1 spot and you get to a US Open final.
JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: I feel so excited. I'm really happy for both things. You know, is the first time I am in the final on the US Open. I am playing a great tennis on hard courts. I couldn't play this kind of tennis this years, you know, in 2000, 2001 and 2002, I couldn't play so well here. Finally, I think I'm doing like I want.
To be at No. 1, you know, it's a special day for me. I knew before the match that if I win the match I will be a No. 1. So I'm really, really happy.
Q. When you won that point after the between-the-leg shot and then the cross-court winner at the net, you stood in the stadium and you lifted your arms up. What was it like for that moment to be cheered by the crowd here?
JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: You know, I did this because, you know, it's a special shot. You know, is the second time in the tournament that I do this shot and, you know, it's pretty difficult. After this shot, he does the volley and I win also the point.
It was a special point that I had to do this, you know.
Q. Did you feel, though, appreciated by the crowd which had been rooting for him? Did you feel, by their applause, they were finally appreciating you?
JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: I feel the applause to Agassi all the time. But, you know, I think was normal today because everybody -- and also because he was losing all the time.
But I think the people also, you know, is great for me, with me. I know is the first time I played in center court and beat Agassi, it's normal the people doesn't like a lot of, you know...
But I think is normal.
Q. What was the turning point for you in the match?
JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: What?
Q. What was the turning point for you in your match today?
JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: I think, you know, when I was 3-2 on breakpoint for me in the third set and I lose this game, and also the set, it was a difficult moment for me. Because I was playing so good in the third set. You know, I thought if I win this game 3-2, and I did a break 4-2 on my serve. Was down to the match for me.
Finally, I could win in the fourth playing the same level as the whole match.
Q. Obviously, people who follow tennis closely know who you are. Why do you think it is that the general public, at least around here, might not know as much about you as they might a No. 1? You're the No. 1 player in the world now.
JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: I think they didn't know me so much because I didn't play so good here in the US Open. America is pretty big. If you don't play pretty good here, the people don't know you.
But this time I think the people is gonna know me very good. I win Agassi; he's very popular here. I'm in the final beating Hewitt, Agassi and Todd Martin - you know, one of the guys that are playing so good in hard court, and especially in hard court.
So I think right now it's my time.
Q. Did you feel like you had something to prove coming in, you know, what we're talking about here, that people maybe underestimated you, also that you could play on hard court? You're always just considered a clay courter. Did you want to show you could on hard court?
JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: I think I show it before. It's not only this time that I am playing good in hard courts, you know. I think last year in Shanghai I played pretty good in hard court. This time I am playing pretty good in hard court. Also Australia I did quarterfinals, you know.
So is not the first time that I am playing good on hard court. So I think I don't have to -- I don't have to show to everybody that I can play good also on hard court.
Q. Were you a little bit tired at the end of the third?
JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: Yes, a little bit. You know, I think is normal because I played eight sets in two days, and four more today.
So I feel, you know, a little bit tired, but I think I'm gonna be okay for tomorrow because I have a lot of hours to improve.
Q. Do you remember, when you were a kid, when you first thought about being No. 1? I'm sure as a child you dreamt about.
JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: No, not really. No (smiling).
Q. It wasn't a goal?
JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: Yeah, was a goal, of course. Because all the year I was pretty close to No. 1, 2, 3, 4 all the time. Pretty much after winning French Open, I was pretty close to be No. 1. Also in Wimbledon, you know. Also in the tournaments like Kitzbuhel, you know, Montreal, Cincinnati. I couldn't be the No. 1. Finally, was my time here.
Q. Andre said that if it is Andy Roddick tomorrow and he is serving well, it is going to be very difficult for you to beat him because his serve is such a weapon. Do you look at it that way, that you're going to be behind?
JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: I know that if he serves so good, it's pretty difficult to break him. But also Verkerk in the tournament of French Open, he was serving like 200, 210, 220 all the time. I did the breaks on the final.
So if he wins, because we have to see, I don't know... Who knows?
But if he serve very good, it's not easy to break. But we'll see.
Q. In a lot of ways you beat Andre in his own game today - using a big serve to set up your power baseline game. Was that your game plan going in, counterpunch him shot for shot?
JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: Yeah. I was focus my game on the serve, you know. I knew that I have to serve so good. Base of the line, you know, I was playing so well. I return very well as well.
So I think I did the perfect match.
Q. After losing the third set, did you have any feeling at all that maybe it was slipping away a little bit? How did you get yourself back?
JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: You know, I felt the pression because I knew if he win the fourth set -- I still had to win two sets, the third and the fourth. I was thinking that he was gonna be so strong in the fifth. Also the crowd start to support him much than before, you know. I knew that I have to try to win in fourth, and I did it well.
Q. Is there anything you've done this year to really step up your hard court game? Have you played more, practiced more on hard courts? Changed your strategy?
JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: No, I did the same. I did the same as last years, you know. But, you know, I know that when I am playing good, I can play the same level on clay court and on hard courts. I think right now I am showing to everybody.
Q. You hit so many winners. Are you in the zone right now? Do you feel like you can hit a winner from anywhere?
JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: Yeah, maybe (smiling). You know, no, I am playing good. I am with a lot of confidence. I can do every shot.
Q. Some of the foreign players had complained a little bit during the last week that the American players were getting favored, poor treatment, scheduling, all that. Does it factor in you are playing an American? After the last week we had, was that part of the motivation for you to beat an American at the US Open?
JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: Is strange that today is my first match on the center court. This is strange for me.
But I know that the American guys go first than me here in this tournament. But the only thing that I want to say, that if this tournament wins a lot of money with us, with the players, you know, and they have to do some more people to dry the courts, you know. All the courts at the same time , not first the center court, 45 minutes later the Louis Armstrong or whatever, Grandstand, whatever. Doesn't matter. They have to have more people to dry the courts faster - not faster, at the same time.
Because if not, it's happen like the other day. Agassi won in three sets to Dent, and I did only one set, only for the dry courts. So this is not right, I think.
Link to the video of JC's interview
---------------------------------
POST MATCH INTERVIEW
Q. I guess the obligatory, any thoughts about playing the legend tomorrow, Mr. Agassi?
JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: Yeah, I have a lot of battles with him. I play last time in Shanghai. Was a great match. Of course tomorrow is gonna be a big match for me. First time in semifinals, you know. Against Agassi. If I win tomorrow, maybe I'm gonna be No. 1. So it's gonna be exciting match for me.
Q. Do you feel a little bit as if you've been forgotten at these championships? You were scheduled on Arthur Ashe just once and never got to play there.
JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: I know that the American guys has to play before in Arthur Ashe as me, you know. But I think is strange to be in the semifinals and I never play on Arthur Ashe, and I'm No. 3 in the world. I think this is not normal.
But I don't want to have problems with the organization, you know. But of course it's not very good.
Q. In your career you've played just one match there.
JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: Two match.
Q. Safin and what was the other one?
JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: Rusedski. The first time I came here, you know, the first match in the US Open, I play it.
Q. So you've lost twice there?
JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: Yes.
Q. You've never won there. Do you anticipate a big difference from playing on Louis Armstrong court to Arthur?
JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: I don't know. This year, I don't know. It's different because it's pretty big center court, you know. I will tell you tomorrow if I feel the difference. But I hope not.
Q. How strong do you feel?
JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: I feel strong. You know, physically, I'm good. I'm a little bit tired, of course. Is normal.
But mentally, I mean, in tennis, I think I am playing a great tennis, you know, hard court. Mentally, I am, you know, when the difficult moments come, I'm very focus and be positive and try to get up.
Q. How important do you think those two aces were on the set points? They were huge points for you.
JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: Of course, was very important to do these two aces. Was the set.
You know, when you lose two sets to one, mentally it's tough to try again, and you have to win two more sets against Hewitt, that he fight all the points, you know. I think was very important to win that game and also the set.
Q. Did you sense that he was hurting? He came in and obviously had a hip problem.
JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: You know, I think he had the problem, but I didn't feel so much because he was running the same. You know, after the trainer come to the court at 5‑4, he was starting to play so good. Love‑30, running a lot. I was with troubles in that game.
So I think maybe he feel it, but he was running exactly the same as...
Q. You said after you won Roland Garros how important it was for you to win a hard court title, come to the US Open and prove that you could do well here. Now you're very close. Just talk about how important this title is to you, especially winning it.
JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: Always is important to win a Grand Slam. Doesn't matter if it's clay or hard court.
But, you know, I got the clay court Slam, you know, and I want to get the hard court Slam, Grand Slam. I'm pretty close right now, but I have in front of me very good players, and I will have to play very, very great tennis because there is two guys, American guys here, and I think they are very motivated to play here in their house.
Q. Your name, Juan Carlos Ferrero, sounds like a name that would be associated with royalty. You don't have any royal blood, do you?
JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: Oh, of course I have (laughter).
Not with real, but...
Q. Somebody mentioned before that you hardly played on the big stage. Given your ranking, you should have been playing more on Arthur Ashe. Clearly, American television is going to be rooting for Andre Agassi. Is this motivation for you? Is this the kind of thing you use for your mental part of the game?
JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: Yes. I want to show to everybody that I am No. 3 in the world and I could be No. 1. I think if I am No. 3, maybe I have to play more matches in center court. Maybe yes.
But, you know, it's...
Q. You've had some tremendous moments in your career: Davis Cup in Spain, obviously Roland Garros this year. Would this compare, winning the US Open, or does nothing compare to, say, Roland Garros or that Davis Cup win?
JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: It's different, you know. With Spain, it's different. You not play with yourself, you know, we play for Spain, and we won it for Spain. If you win the French Open or US Open, you win for yourself. It's very important as well.
Q. So this would compare with winning at Roland Garros, even though that was your first major?
JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: Yeah.
Q. You're one of the few guys out there that has a winning record against Agassi. How do you think your game matches up against his?
JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: I think I play aggressive tennis as him. So tomorrow is gonna be a tough match, because we play so hard doing a lot of winners, you know. But the key, I think, I have to do no mistakes on the base of the line, you know, and I have to serve good. Because if not, he return very well all the time, and I didn't serve so good. I think you don't have too many chances to win.
Q. How do you feel about qualifying for Tennis Masters Cup?
JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: You know, I thought that I was in when I won the French Open, because is difficult to be out from the Houston if you win a Grand Slam.
So, you know, today I think it's officially that I am in, so I am really happy for that as well.
Q. Would you hope that tomorrow is very sunny, very hot, so it's easier to beat Agassi?
JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: I don't know. I don't know how he feels. But I think he was two days in the hotel when I was here until 10:30 in the night. So I think he is little bit less tired as me ‑ than me.
But hot, tomorrow is, I don't know, is gonna be like 78, like today. So I think I have more chances if is so hot, yes.
Q. What have you been doing in New York, anything away from the courts?
JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: Yeah, yeah, I went to the 5th and Madison, to do shopping with my girlfriend. I tried to go to the Empire State, but I couldn't.
Q. Why couldn't you?
JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: I didn't have time, finally. I went to Chinatown, you know. I went someplace.
Q. You last played Andre a year ago. It was on hard courts. You were able to defeat him. In your mind, is that ancient history, or can you still draw on some confidence, knowing you were victorious in your last meeting?
JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: Yeah, I did well in Shanghai. I hope to do well here. Because that means that I won the match. I know I was very close, 7‑6 in the third. But if I win tomorrow, will be the same, will be close, you know. Because you never win Agassi so easy 'cause, you know, his game is always the same, you know. Try to do so run to the other player, you know.
So in my mind, tomorrow is gonna be a tough match for sure.
(This is a partial transcript)
---------------------------------
POST MATCH INTERVIEW
Q. I guess the obligatory, any thoughts about playing the legend tomorrow, Mr. Agassi?
JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: Yeah, I have a lot of battles with him. I play last time in Shanghai. Was a great match. Of course tomorrow is gonna be a big match for me. First time in semifinals, you know. Against Agassi. If I win tomorrow, maybe I'm gonna be No. 1. So it's gonna be exciting match for me.
Q. Do you feel a little bit as if you've been forgotten at these championships? You were scheduled on Arthur Ashe just once and never got to play there.
JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: I know that the American guys has to play before in Arthur Ashe as me, you know. But I think is strange to be in the semifinals and I never play on Arthur Ashe, and I'm No. 3 in the world. I think this is not normal.
But I don't want to have problems with the organization, you know. But of course it's not very good.
Q. In your career you've played just one match there.
JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: Two match.
Q. Safin and what was the other one?
JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: Rusedski. The first time I came here, you know, the first match in the US Open, I play it.
Q. So you've lost twice there?
JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: Yes.
Q. You've never won there. Do you anticipate a big difference from playing on Louis Armstrong court to Arthur?
JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: I don't know. This year, I don't know. It's different because it's pretty big center court, you know. I will tell you tomorrow if I feel the difference. But I hope not.
Q. How strong do you feel?
JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: I feel strong. You know, physically, I'm good. I'm a little bit tired, of course. Is normal.
But mentally, I mean, in tennis, I think I am playing a great tennis, you know, hard court. Mentally, I am, you know, when the difficult moments come, I'm very focus and be positive and try to get up.
Q. How important do you think those two aces were on the set points? They were huge points for you.
JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: Of course, was very important to do these two aces. Was the set.
You know, when you lose two sets to one, mentally it's tough to try again, and you have to win two more sets against Hewitt, that he fight all the points, you know. I think was very important to win that game and also the set.
Q. Did you sense that he was hurting? He came in and obviously had a hip problem.
JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: You know, I think he had the problem, but I didn't feel so much because he was running the same. You know, after the trainer come to the court at 5‑4, he was starting to play so good. Love‑30, running a lot. I was with troubles in that game.
So I think maybe he feel it, but he was running exactly the same as...
Q. You said after you won Roland Garros how important it was for you to win a hard court title, come to the US Open and prove that you could do well here. Now you're very close. Just talk about how important this title is to you, especially winning it.
JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: Always is important to win a Grand Slam. Doesn't matter if it's clay or hard court.
But, you know, I got the clay court Slam, you know, and I want to get the hard court Slam, Grand Slam. I'm pretty close right now, but I have in front of me very good players, and I will have to play very, very great tennis because there is two guys, American guys here, and I think they are very motivated to play here in their house.
Q. Your name, Juan Carlos Ferrero, sounds like a name that would be associated with royalty. You don't have any royal blood, do you?
JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: Oh, of course I have (laughter).
Not with real, but...
Q. Somebody mentioned before that you hardly played on the big stage. Given your ranking, you should have been playing more on Arthur Ashe. Clearly, American television is going to be rooting for Andre Agassi. Is this motivation for you? Is this the kind of thing you use for your mental part of the game?
JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: Yes. I want to show to everybody that I am No. 3 in the world and I could be No. 1. I think if I am No. 3, maybe I have to play more matches in center court. Maybe yes.
But, you know, it's...
Q. You've had some tremendous moments in your career: Davis Cup in Spain, obviously Roland Garros this year. Would this compare, winning the US Open, or does nothing compare to, say, Roland Garros or that Davis Cup win?
JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: It's different, you know. With Spain, it's different. You not play with yourself, you know, we play for Spain, and we won it for Spain. If you win the French Open or US Open, you win for yourself. It's very important as well.
Q. So this would compare with winning at Roland Garros, even though that was your first major?
JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: Yeah.
Q. You're one of the few guys out there that has a winning record against Agassi. How do you think your game matches up against his?
JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: I think I play aggressive tennis as him. So tomorrow is gonna be a tough match, because we play so hard doing a lot of winners, you know. But the key, I think, I have to do no mistakes on the base of the line, you know, and I have to serve good. Because if not, he return very well all the time, and I didn't serve so good. I think you don't have too many chances to win.
Q. How do you feel about qualifying for Tennis Masters Cup?
JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: You know, I thought that I was in when I won the French Open, because is difficult to be out from the Houston if you win a Grand Slam.
So, you know, today I think it's officially that I am in, so I am really happy for that as well.
Q. Would you hope that tomorrow is very sunny, very hot, so it's easier to beat Agassi?
JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: I don't know. I don't know how he feels. But I think he was two days in the hotel when I was here until 10:30 in the night. So I think he is little bit less tired as me ‑ than me.
But hot, tomorrow is, I don't know, is gonna be like 78, like today. So I think I have more chances if is so hot, yes.
Q. What have you been doing in New York, anything away from the courts?
JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: Yeah, yeah, I went to the 5th and Madison, to do shopping with my girlfriend. I tried to go to the Empire State, but I couldn't.
Q. Why couldn't you?
JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: I didn't have time, finally. I went to Chinatown, you know. I went someplace.
Q. You last played Andre a year ago. It was on hard courts. You were able to defeat him. In your mind, is that ancient history, or can you still draw on some confidence, knowing you were victorious in your last meeting?
JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: Yeah, I did well in Shanghai. I hope to do well here. Because that means that I won the match. I know I was very close, 7‑6 in the third. But if I win tomorrow, will be the same, will be close, you know. Because you never win Agassi so easy 'cause, you know, his game is always the same, you know. Try to do so run to the other player, you know.
So in my mind, tomorrow is gonna be a tough match for sure.
(This is a partial transcript)
Saturday, September 06, 2003
Here's what the critic says about the Agassi-JC semifinal but from his previous prediction I'm going to say JC in 4 =)
-----------------------------
Nick's Picks
Andre Agassi (1) vs. Juan Carlos Ferrero (3)
Andre knows he cannot play extra games if he wants to win this year's US Open. With the format of three matches in three days, he must take care of business. Juan Carlos Ferrero proved to the entire world he can play on any surface, beating Lleyton Hewitt in four sets. Nick's Pick: This match will have long rallies throughout. Agassi must serve well and create shorter points. Agassi in 4 sets, Ferrero in 5 sets.
------------------------------
And here's a nice summary of the JC-Hewitt quarterfinal match ---> Post Match Analysis
-----------------------------
Nick's Picks
Andre Agassi (1) vs. Juan Carlos Ferrero (3)
Andre knows he cannot play extra games if he wants to win this year's US Open. With the format of three matches in three days, he must take care of business. Juan Carlos Ferrero proved to the entire world he can play on any surface, beating Lleyton Hewitt in four sets. Nick's Pick: This match will have long rallies throughout. Agassi must serve well and create shorter points. Agassi in 4 sets, Ferrero in 5 sets.
------------------------------
And here's a nice summary of the JC-Hewitt quarterfinal match ---> Post Match Analysis
Here are some things Hewitt had to say about JC and the match
-----------------
Q. Maybe not too many guys would have beaten him today, the way he was playing?
LLEYTON HEWITT: No, he was great. You've really got to take your hat off to him.
You know, I felt like I went up another notch from yesterday. I felt like I hit the ball a lot better, especially my backhand. Backhand cross court didn't quite -- you know, backhand down the line, I probably didn't hit that great today.
But, yeah, he played well. He mixed up his serve extremely well. You know, he's getting tougher and tougher on these kind of courts.
[...]
Q. Did you know after that when you couldn't get anything on your serve, did you know it was gonna be...
LLEYTON HEWITT: Oh, I knew I was gonna be struggling. I was trying to battle, but also trying to play a different style of game to what I'm used to as well. You know, trying to go for a lot of winners, I guess, which off the wrong balls, where normally I'd try and work the point a little bit more.
Yeah, I take nothing away from him, though. He was too good.
[...]
Q. You had a great match with Juan Carlos in Shanghai, a close match. What's changed in his game in the last eight months?
LLEYTON HEWITT: Well, I felt like he played a pretty bloody good game in Shanghai, as well. Obviously, in the end, I was a bit lucky to get over the line being down a break twice in the fifth set.
I felt like I played an incredible match in Shanghai to win that. Probably not a lot's changed. The standard we were playing there for three sets today was pretty good. It was definitely up with the standard of Shanghai. In Shanghai I felt like I played great two sets and then, you know, got a little bit tired, I think, in the third and fourth, and somehow was able to find something late in the fifth.
Q. Did he do anything different?
LLEYTON HEWITT: Not a whole heap different. I felt like he was playing pretty well at the end of last year?
Q. Did you have a feeling today or did you think if you could squeak that third set - somehow - that you still had a chance?
LLEYTON HEWITT: Yeah, I knew it was gonna be an uphill battle, the way that I was feeling. Especially playing a guy like that, who's so fit. Very rarely do you see him lose a match due to fitness. So even if I was two - sets -- one up, there was no guarantee I was gonna be able to win one of the next two sets.
You know, I was still somehow trying to get out of that set. At 5-4 there, came up with two aces on the two wide far lines. You got to just say "too good" to that.
In the breaker, I fought back. He played a pretty incredible breaker. He hardly missed a first serve. Smacked a couple huge forehands on to win. Even his backhand up the line at 6-5 was a gutsy shot to go for
-----------------
Q. Maybe not too many guys would have beaten him today, the way he was playing?
LLEYTON HEWITT: No, he was great. You've really got to take your hat off to him.
You know, I felt like I went up another notch from yesterday. I felt like I hit the ball a lot better, especially my backhand. Backhand cross court didn't quite -- you know, backhand down the line, I probably didn't hit that great today.
But, yeah, he played well. He mixed up his serve extremely well. You know, he's getting tougher and tougher on these kind of courts.
[...]
Q. Did you know after that when you couldn't get anything on your serve, did you know it was gonna be...
LLEYTON HEWITT: Oh, I knew I was gonna be struggling. I was trying to battle, but also trying to play a different style of game to what I'm used to as well. You know, trying to go for a lot of winners, I guess, which off the wrong balls, where normally I'd try and work the point a little bit more.
Yeah, I take nothing away from him, though. He was too good.
[...]
Q. You had a great match with Juan Carlos in Shanghai, a close match. What's changed in his game in the last eight months?
LLEYTON HEWITT: Well, I felt like he played a pretty bloody good game in Shanghai, as well. Obviously, in the end, I was a bit lucky to get over the line being down a break twice in the fifth set.
I felt like I played an incredible match in Shanghai to win that. Probably not a lot's changed. The standard we were playing there for three sets today was pretty good. It was definitely up with the standard of Shanghai. In Shanghai I felt like I played great two sets and then, you know, got a little bit tired, I think, in the third and fourth, and somehow was able to find something late in the fifth.
Q. Did he do anything different?
LLEYTON HEWITT: Not a whole heap different. I felt like he was playing pretty well at the end of last year?
Q. Did you have a feeling today or did you think if you could squeak that third set - somehow - that you still had a chance?
LLEYTON HEWITT: Yeah, I knew it was gonna be an uphill battle, the way that I was feeling. Especially playing a guy like that, who's so fit. Very rarely do you see him lose a match due to fitness. So even if I was two - sets -- one up, there was no guarantee I was gonna be able to win one of the next two sets.
You know, I was still somehow trying to get out of that set. At 5-4 there, came up with two aces on the two wide far lines. You got to just say "too good" to that.
In the breaker, I fought back. He played a pretty incredible breaker. He hardly missed a first serve. Smacked a couple huge forehands on to win. Even his backhand up the line at 6-5 was a gutsy shot to go for
pic: serve
pic: return
pic: running down the ball
pic: jump
pic: gallop
pic: backhand
pic: throwing racquet
pic: swing
pic: stretch
pic: pumped
pic: forehand
pic: another forehand
pic: power hit
pic: another backhand
pic: celebrating
pic: shadow
pic: victory
new ---> pic: autographs
new ---> pic: yay (so cute)
new ---> pic: #1
Friday, September 05, 2003
Argh... Cronin predicts this match will be "a long, torturous death spiral" with Hewitt winning in five sets. And Nick says Hewitt will win in 4! Hope JC proves them wrong!!!
Matthew Cronin's Picks: Day 12
[.....]
No. 2 Juan Carlos Ferrero (ESP) v. No. 6 Lleyton Hewitt (AUS)
These two Slam champs have played five times, with Hewitt winning all three of their matches on hard courts and Ferrero taking their two contests on clay. Their one determining match occurred at the end of last year in the Tennis Masters Cup, where Hewitt prevailed 6-4 in the fifth set. The then No. 1 proved to be a better big match player and more consistent in the clutch.
But that was JC Ferrero before he became a superstar and won the French Open. Now, the Spaniard is much more confortable with his game and better understands his capabilities. His serve is a true weapon, he returns with precision and aggression and he has weapons off both wings.
But this is Lleyton’s place in so many ways. The snarling, screaming Aussie could switch accents and be taken as a New York native for the way he bites, fights and loves the big moments under the Broadway lights. He played a standout match in chopping down Paradorn and has regained a lot of the oomph on his shots that he seemed to have lost earlier this summer.
If Ferrero can exploit Hewitt’s forehand and get a lot of free points off his first serve, he’ll be in good shape, but Hewitt knows how to drain a foe mentally and will make this match a long, torturous death spiral from the baseline and win in five sets.
Nick's Picks
Juan Carlos Ferrro (3) vs Lleyton Hewitt (6)
Lleyton gave a loud message -- he belongs in the final weekend. Ferrero was tested by the crafty veteran Todd Martin and had to fight 5 long sets to be a winner.
Nick's Pick: This will be a long battle of who wants to run and compete to the bitter end. Hewitt in 4 sets.
-----------------------------------
Armstrong - 11:00 AM Start
1. Men's Doubles - Qtr. Finals Bhupathi (IND)/Mirnyi (BLR)[1] vs. Llodra (FRA)/Santoro (FRA)[6]
followed by:
2. Men's Singles - Qtr. Finals Juan Carlos Ferrero (ESP)[3] vs. Lleyton Hewitt (AUS)[6]
Matthew Cronin's Picks: Day 12
[.....]
No. 2 Juan Carlos Ferrero (ESP) v. No. 6 Lleyton Hewitt (AUS)
These two Slam champs have played five times, with Hewitt winning all three of their matches on hard courts and Ferrero taking their two contests on clay. Their one determining match occurred at the end of last year in the Tennis Masters Cup, where Hewitt prevailed 6-4 in the fifth set. The then No. 1 proved to be a better big match player and more consistent in the clutch.
But that was JC Ferrero before he became a superstar and won the French Open. Now, the Spaniard is much more confortable with his game and better understands his capabilities. His serve is a true weapon, he returns with precision and aggression and he has weapons off both wings.
But this is Lleyton’s place in so many ways. The snarling, screaming Aussie could switch accents and be taken as a New York native for the way he bites, fights and loves the big moments under the Broadway lights. He played a standout match in chopping down Paradorn and has regained a lot of the oomph on his shots that he seemed to have lost earlier this summer.
If Ferrero can exploit Hewitt’s forehand and get a lot of free points off his first serve, he’ll be in good shape, but Hewitt knows how to drain a foe mentally and will make this match a long, torturous death spiral from the baseline and win in five sets.
Nick's Picks
Juan Carlos Ferrro (3) vs Lleyton Hewitt (6)
Lleyton gave a loud message -- he belongs in the final weekend. Ferrero was tested by the crafty veteran Todd Martin and had to fight 5 long sets to be a winner.
Nick's Pick: This will be a long battle of who wants to run and compete to the bitter end. Hewitt in 4 sets.
-----------------------------------
Armstrong - 11:00 AM Start
1. Men's Doubles - Qtr. Finals Bhupathi (IND)/Mirnyi (BLR)[1] vs. Llodra (FRA)/Santoro (FRA)[6]
followed by:
2. Men's Singles - Qtr. Finals Juan Carlos Ferrero (ESP)[3] vs. Lleyton Hewitt (AUS)[6]
pic: fist pump
pic: return
pic: tapping the ball
pic: swing
pic: serve
pic: YESSS!!
pic: tossing racquet
cute----> pic: foosball
--------------------------------
POST MATCH INTERVIEW
THE MODERATOR: Questions.
Q. Todd won a lot of points at the net in the sets he won. What were you able to do in the fifth set to change that?
JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: I didn't understand so good.
Q. His play at the net was very aggressive in the third and fourth sets. What did you do differently in the fifth set to kind of take that away?
JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: You know, I think when you do a break early, he is a person maybe he doesn't come really good to the net. I can pass easy than maybe the third and the fourth set.
You know, maybe I was serving better in the fifth than in the third and the fourth. And also is the key, that he didn't come to the net.
Q. Were you pretty confident going into the fifth you would win? You've got 10 years on him. It's very humid.
JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: Yeah, I know. I was very confident in the fifth. Also in the whole match 'cause I was playing good. You know, I had a lot of breakpoints in the fourth set and I think I could win in that set. Finally, I couldn't. I try to fight all the time in the fifth set to try to get the match.
Finally, I think I did it pretty well.
Thursday, September 04, 2003
Schedule of Play
Armstrong - 11:00 AM Start
1. Women's Singles - 4th Rnd. Ai Sugiyama (JPN)[15] vs. Francesca Schiavone (ITA)[29] T/F 7/6(5) 5/4
2. Men's Singles - 4th Rnd. Juan Carlos Ferrero (ESP)[3] vs. Todd Martin (USA) T/F 6/2
Armstrong - 11:00 AM Start
1. Women's Singles - 4th Rnd. Ai Sugiyama (JPN)[15] vs. Francesca Schiavone (ITA)[29] T/F 7/6(5) 5/4
2. Men's Singles - 4th Rnd. Juan Carlos Ferrero (ESP)[3] vs. Todd Martin (USA) T/F 6/2
Hiya everyone this is some info that might answer your curiosity regarding the rain in US open but as the interview is so long i can't put all of them here. So i just put some relevant thing here but i would suggest to read the full interview to get the full picture of the whole thing. To see the full interview click here.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Information Regarding The Rain Delay.
Interview of The US Open Organiser.
ARLEN KANTARIAN, Chief Executive Professional Tennis USTA;
JIM CURLEY, US Open Tournament Director;
BRIAN EARLEY, US Open Tournament Referee;
DAVID NEWMAN Managing Director, Marketing Communications USTA;
[...]
More than one reporter has asked, "Would we play players every day, as opposed to every other day," and the answer is yes. The players understand that. We have an excellent, excellent group of players. They are willing to play when and where we ask. I mean, it is just a really, really good group of people who try to stay in touch with the referee's office, try to stay in touch with the tournament director.
If we give them good information, we get that back in spades from them. They become more and more willing to play in a little bit different place, to play a little bit different time, to stay here as late as they have to, to hang around all day.
If we do it from the referee's office, a good job of communicating to them, the status of where they are and where we are with getting these matches played, we really get good cooperation from them.
So, you know, congratulations to them. They've just been a great group under very, very trying circumstances.
[...]
Q. Is it possible to start the matches earlier? Could you start matches at 9 or 10 in the morning?
BRIAN EARLEY: That really doesn't buy us anything. That really doesn't change anything. If you think about it, if somebody's in three events, you're talking about first, third and fifth, we have those available.
Typically, if we are accommodating to a doubles match, remember we have enough courts to spread out to play. It's not, again, a question of length of day. Length of day we have because of the lights. I don't foresee us, you know -- in the time that I've been here, which is 21 years, we have never started, that I remember, before 11 o'clock for reasons that we were behind in the schedule.
I know we have started earlier than that for other reasons, but not for reasons that we were behind in the schedule.
[...]
Q. Arlen or Brian, what would be the drop-dead date by which you can't complete the tournament on Sunday and you really have to look at extending it?
ARLEN KANTARIAN: I'm not sure we know that today. Brian, do you want to take a shot?
BRIAN EARLEY: The rule of thumb is that you play a singles match, the most you can play is one singles match in a day - that doesn't mean that we wouldn't, you know, as pieces of matches are played. We've played pieces of matches and then gone on to play a second singles match in a day.
Again, you have to, you know, the rule of thumb is one thing; and then what really happens is another.
I don't really think we can go there yet.
[...]
Q. Would you consider reducing best-of-five to best-of-three?
ARLEN KANTARIAN: Brian, want to discuss that? Are you talking about best-of-five, best-of-three in the men's singles?
BRIAN EARLEY: As you know, it has been done often in the men's doubles in other Grand Slams. We no longer play best-of-five. When we did, we played best-of-three on several occasions when we got backed up.
We haven't even gone there. We haven't even talked about it. I feel that a Grand Slam men's singles title deserves best-of-five sets all the way through. That would only be -- I'm only one part of the equation. That is the subject that we, hopefully, won't have to broach.
I'm just giving you my kind of candid...
ARLEN KANTARIAN: I think that's a very strong Grand Slam view throughout as well.
[...]
Q. I know you said you have completed a partial match and then go on to play a whole match in the same day. Would you consider playing two full matches in the same day, for particularly the men who would be playing best-of-five?
BRIAN EARLEY: Never gone there.
ARLEN KANTARIAN: Never say never.
BRIAN EARLEY: I never say never. Hard for me to imagine that, but then again I've never been in this situation, so...
[...]
Q. Brian, last night Pierce and Myskina didn't start until quarter past 11. You had so many people tied up drying the court. Why do you not cover the court? Surely that would make it quicker, you could make better use of the time.
BRIAN EARLEY: Was that something Danny was going to answer?
ARLEN KANTARIAN: We have our head of our facilities here, Danny Zausner. I can tell you that between Brian and Danny and myself, we've addressed this on several occasions. We will continue to address it. I think the history of the event has been the system that's in place now in addition to some, I guess, airblowers that we have recently provided as well.
The question of tarp, the question of the tented type of tarp used at Wimbledon, has come up. Brian or Jim, I don't know if you want to address that, or Danny?
DANNY ZAUSNER: There are some issues with that court as far as our surface. It's definitely smaller than other Grand Slams. We are and will continue to investigate it. The reality is we've had more rain in the last two years than the last 10 years combined. It's something that's new to us. It's not being ignored, I'll assure you that.
ARLEN KANTARIAN: I am told that there could potentially be a three- to four-minute pickup in terms of time had we had tarps. I think the conclusion at least at this point, that the referee and others have come to, is does that three to four minutes, if in fact that is the time savings, warrant the type of tarp on the sidelines of the court or not.
I think that's the question.
To the degree it can help us save more time than three to four minutes, I think we would be more serious about investigating that.
[...]
~Partial interview only, taken from official US OPEN website~
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Information Regarding The Rain Delay.
Interview of The US Open Organiser.
ARLEN KANTARIAN, Chief Executive Professional Tennis USTA;
JIM CURLEY, US Open Tournament Director;
BRIAN EARLEY, US Open Tournament Referee;
DAVID NEWMAN Managing Director, Marketing Communications USTA;
[...]
More than one reporter has asked, "Would we play players every day, as opposed to every other day," and the answer is yes. The players understand that. We have an excellent, excellent group of players. They are willing to play when and where we ask. I mean, it is just a really, really good group of people who try to stay in touch with the referee's office, try to stay in touch with the tournament director.
If we give them good information, we get that back in spades from them. They become more and more willing to play in a little bit different place, to play a little bit different time, to stay here as late as they have to, to hang around all day.
If we do it from the referee's office, a good job of communicating to them, the status of where they are and where we are with getting these matches played, we really get good cooperation from them.
So, you know, congratulations to them. They've just been a great group under very, very trying circumstances.
[...]
Q. Is it possible to start the matches earlier? Could you start matches at 9 or 10 in the morning?
BRIAN EARLEY: That really doesn't buy us anything. That really doesn't change anything. If you think about it, if somebody's in three events, you're talking about first, third and fifth, we have those available.
Typically, if we are accommodating to a doubles match, remember we have enough courts to spread out to play. It's not, again, a question of length of day. Length of day we have because of the lights. I don't foresee us, you know -- in the time that I've been here, which is 21 years, we have never started, that I remember, before 11 o'clock for reasons that we were behind in the schedule.
I know we have started earlier than that for other reasons, but not for reasons that we were behind in the schedule.
[...]
Q. Arlen or Brian, what would be the drop-dead date by which you can't complete the tournament on Sunday and you really have to look at extending it?
ARLEN KANTARIAN: I'm not sure we know that today. Brian, do you want to take a shot?
BRIAN EARLEY: The rule of thumb is that you play a singles match, the most you can play is one singles match in a day - that doesn't mean that we wouldn't, you know, as pieces of matches are played. We've played pieces of matches and then gone on to play a second singles match in a day.
Again, you have to, you know, the rule of thumb is one thing; and then what really happens is another.
I don't really think we can go there yet.
[...]
Q. Would you consider reducing best-of-five to best-of-three?
ARLEN KANTARIAN: Brian, want to discuss that? Are you talking about best-of-five, best-of-three in the men's singles?
BRIAN EARLEY: As you know, it has been done often in the men's doubles in other Grand Slams. We no longer play best-of-five. When we did, we played best-of-three on several occasions when we got backed up.
We haven't even gone there. We haven't even talked about it. I feel that a Grand Slam men's singles title deserves best-of-five sets all the way through. That would only be -- I'm only one part of the equation. That is the subject that we, hopefully, won't have to broach.
I'm just giving you my kind of candid...
ARLEN KANTARIAN: I think that's a very strong Grand Slam view throughout as well.
[...]
Q. I know you said you have completed a partial match and then go on to play a whole match in the same day. Would you consider playing two full matches in the same day, for particularly the men who would be playing best-of-five?
BRIAN EARLEY: Never gone there.
ARLEN KANTARIAN: Never say never.
BRIAN EARLEY: I never say never. Hard for me to imagine that, but then again I've never been in this situation, so...
[...]
Q. Brian, last night Pierce and Myskina didn't start until quarter past 11. You had so many people tied up drying the court. Why do you not cover the court? Surely that would make it quicker, you could make better use of the time.
BRIAN EARLEY: Was that something Danny was going to answer?
ARLEN KANTARIAN: We have our head of our facilities here, Danny Zausner. I can tell you that between Brian and Danny and myself, we've addressed this on several occasions. We will continue to address it. I think the history of the event has been the system that's in place now in addition to some, I guess, airblowers that we have recently provided as well.
The question of tarp, the question of the tented type of tarp used at Wimbledon, has come up. Brian or Jim, I don't know if you want to address that, or Danny?
DANNY ZAUSNER: There are some issues with that court as far as our surface. It's definitely smaller than other Grand Slams. We are and will continue to investigate it. The reality is we've had more rain in the last two years than the last 10 years combined. It's something that's new to us. It's not being ignored, I'll assure you that.
ARLEN KANTARIAN: I am told that there could potentially be a three- to four-minute pickup in terms of time had we had tarps. I think the conclusion at least at this point, that the referee and others have come to, is does that three to four minutes, if in fact that is the time savings, warrant the type of tarp on the sidelines of the court or not.
I think that's the question.
To the degree it can help us save more time than three to four minutes, I think we would be more serious about investigating that.
[...]
~Partial interview only, taken from official US OPEN website~
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