PHOTOS from JC's match against Novak where he was defeated 7-5, 7-5. Because of his loss and Roddick's win, JC has lost the #1 spot in BOTH the entry rankings and the Race *cry* Now he's really got to kick booty in Houston!!!



pic: stretch
pic: forehand
pic: resting
pic: ball toss
pic: backhand
pic: looking down
pic: serve
pic: waving
pic: dejected

Posted by nana at 6:48 AM

Roddick takes top spot

Andy Roddick became the new world number one with victory over Tommy Robredo at the Paris Masters. The 21-year-old will leapfrog Juan Carlos Ferrero when the rankings come out on Monday, and will also overtake the Spaniard in the Champions Race.

Ferrero was earlier knocked out of the Paris event by Jiri Novak but he and Roddick will go head-to-head for the year-end top spot at the Masters Cup.

"Every match win or lose could be the difference," Roddick warned.

"But I've got there and no one can take that away from me - ever.

"It never crossed my mind when I was a kid that I might be number one. It's definitely something I never thought would happen."

US Open champion Roddick can increase his lead in both the rankings and the Champions Race by progressing further in the tournament.

But Ferrero said he was ready to fight to reclaim the top spot.

"I will do everything in my power to be world number one," said Ferrero.

"Andy has to play well at the Masters Cup to be world number one and we will fight for it.

"It has always been a goal of mine to finish the year as number one."

Roddick, the 22nd player to hold the world number one spot since rankings began, saw off Robredo 6-3 6-4 to set up a quarter-final against Jonas Bjorkman.

Meanwhile, an emotional Novak described his win over an error-strewn Ferrero as "one of the greatest of my career".

"I was playing great tennis today and I had nothing to lose," he said. "I was playing the number one player in the world and beating him doesn't happen every week."
[....]

Posted by nana at 6:43 AM

ORDER OF PLAY

Central Court
11.30 am
Nicolas MASSU (CHI) [10] vs Rainer SCHUETTLER (GER) [5]

Not before 1.00 pm
Juan Carlos FERRERO (ESP) [1] vs Jiri NOVAK (CZE) [14]

PHOTO One more pic from JC's match against Mahut. This one is from the TMS Paris official site's "Photos" page under the section titled "Attitudes" =P

pic: JC's "attitude"

Posted by nana at 6:31 AM

VIDEO JC is featured in the ATP's Play of the Week. You can watch the clip of him winning a point against Federer in TMS Madrid here

BATTLE FOR #1 video on Eurosport featuring JC and Roddick. There's a little clip of JC practicing and even a short interview. Check it out here. The link is on the right side.

WALLPAPERS 2 new ones from marca.com featuring JC and his victory in Madrid.
Wall #1 and Wall #2

WHAT THE PLAYERS SAID
Ferrero: "There was very little difference between us two. Maybe I played the important points better in the tie-break, and I only had one break in the second set. That was the only difference between us. So it's very little. Maybe he was a bit under pressure because he missed some points which were important. Anyway, the first set we both had a chance of winning it. It turned out my way and it helped me to win the match."

Posted by nana at 7:12 AM

Ferrero Given Scare by French Qualifier in Paris

PARIS (Reuters) - World number one Juan Carlos Ferrero was given a first set scare by French wildcard Nicolas Mahut before sealing a 7-6, 6-4, win in the Paris Masters second round Tuesday.

The 21-year-old Mahut slugged it out from the baseline with the top seed throughout, breaking the French Open champion in the fifth game and earning a set point in the tiebreak before losing it 9-7.

The Spaniard looked uncomfortable for much of the match in the face of a player who was not afraid to go for his shots. But Mahut suddenly ran out of steam in the ninth game of the second set, netting three simple shots at the net to allow Ferrero to break and the Spaniard sealed victory in the next game.

Ferrero is in a three-way battle with Andy Roddick and Roger Federer to finish number one in the Champions Race. The Paris Masters is the final tournament of the regular season before the eight-man Masters Cup in Houston next month.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

2nd round photos:

backhand
forehand return
lunge
return
chasing down ball
serving
toss
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

There's also a VIDEO about JC and Roddick battle in eurosport you could check it here. (~thanks daniela ^_^ for mentioning these on the tagboard~)

Posted by Unknown at 6:22 AM

thanks Shruti ^^

Posted by nana at 10:41 PM

ORDER OF PLAY

NOT BEFORE 18:30
Juan Carlos FERRERO (ESP) vs Nicolas MAHUT (FRA)
----------------------------------

Top-seed Juan Carlos Ferrero makes his Parisian debut on Tuesday. The Spaniard will attempt to become the first player since American Andre Agassi in 1999 to capture both the Roland Garros crown and BNP Parisbas Masters in the same year.

Ferrero - Mahut
World Number one Ferrero will be looking to claim his third Tennis Masters Series of the season having defended his title in Monte-Carlo and winning in Madrid two weeks ago. The best clay-court player of the world has made great strides over the years on fast courts and can now play brilliantly on all surfaces. With nothing to lose and with the raucous crowd on his side, French qualifier Nicolas Mahut, who beat Finland's Jarkko Nieminen in the first round, will try to derail the Spaniard.

Posted by nana at 4:20 AM

DRAW for TMS Paris already out! JC has a bye in the first round and then will meet the winner of N. MAHUT vs. J. NIEMINEN. Check out the draw --> pdf or html

VIDEO of the TMS Madrid final with a small clip of JC's victory speech. In Spanish. Need RealPlayer One to view. Check it out here

Posted by nana at 4:11 AM

Ferrero steals limelight

Watching Juan Carlos Ferrero win the Madrid Masters and extend his lead at the top of the rankings on Sunday, it was hard to imagine that earlier in the season he’d been largely forgotten amidst the glamour of other stars, writes James Buddell.

After Roger Federer's Wimbledon triumph, broadsheets around the world were proclaiming the 22-year-old in the same light as the sorely missed Pete Sampras.

Then when 21-year-old Andy Roddick decided to win everything North American hard had to offer he became the flavour of the month.

Suddenly Ferrero, merely a winner of June's French Open, didn't have the charisma and game to highjack the column inches anymore.

But looking at the season the 23-year-old has had, it is he who has proved the most consistent.

In the Grand Slam arena he was a quarter-finalist at the Australian Open (losing to Wayne Ferreira); winner at Roland Garros, he reached the fourth-round at Wimbledon (losing to Sebastien Grosjean) and was a finalist at Flushing.

He recently became the leader of men's tennis and with Sunday's win took charge of the Champions Race, on the back his fourth title of the year.

Not bad for a player considered by many to be a specialist on clay-courts. A title that is increasingly becoming paper-thin.

So what has changed for Ferrero and why does he differ from this year's other major luminaries?

Davis Cup may be the answer.

For Federer and Roddick the expectation of a nation and mass exposure at a young age has proved a burden and it has only been this season that the pair have matured enough to win big.

Switzerland have built their team around Federer ever since he won junior Wimbledon in 1998. And Roddick quickly became the United States' beacon with Andre Agassi and Sampras' reluctance to play.

Ferrero's induction to the Spanish team however, came in their triumphant 2000 campaign against Australia.

Surrounding the one-time "Chavalito" throughout his short career have been major winners and finalists Alex Corretja, Albert Costa and Carlos Moya.

He has taken onboard their advice and marvelled at their tactical experience. So after his disappointment in the 2002 French Open final, the question became: when will he win big?

Roddick is beginning to realise his potential too. Since pairing up with Brad Gilbert at Queen's Club in June, he has become a major threat and will hope to win straight off next season in Melbourne.

The Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) have long since realised the potential rivalry of the trio, and with the addition of a resurgent Lleyton Hewitt they can create the kind of interest that made the sport in the 1990s boom.

So with three weeks to go before the Masters Cup in Houston - which you can watch live on Eurosport and follow on eurosport.com - Ferrero is convinced he can be the worthy leader of that new dawn.
-----------------

Thanks for the link Lady ^^ Nice to see JC finally getting some recognition!

Posted by nana at 7:39 PM

Ferrero pulls out in Basel

Injury has forced world number one Juan Carlos Ferrero to withdraw from the Swiss Indoors in Basel on Monday. The Spaniard, who won in Madrid on Sunday to take top spot in the ATP Champions Race, announced he would not play hours before the draw.

American Andy Roddick, who Ferrero overtook in the Champions Race, becomes top seed, with Roger Federer second.

"(Ferrero) looked fine in Madrid. This is very short notice," said tournament director Roger Brennwald.

But ATP officials said Ferrero had been suffering from his injuries for at least two weeks and during the final in Madrid had twice needed physical aid from a trainer.

Ferrero, who won the French Open and was the runner-up at the US Open, has said he hopes to finish the year number one.

Next month in Australia, Ferrero will lead Spain in the Davis Cup final.

-------------------

Just a few more pix of JC's victory in Madrid taken from the official ATP site

pic 1
pic 2

Posted by nana at 3:00 AM

Ferrero: "I'm proud of being in top of both rankings"

Q. A very special feeling to win a big title in front of your own countrymen?
JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: Yeah, of course is a special win for me here in Madrid. You know, I was in front of all my crowd, you know, all the people of Madrid and the rest of Spain. Of course, is a special win, as well, because this is the first tournament that I win in indoors. So it's very important.

Q. You told us in Monte-Carlo then that you were very keen to show you could play on all surfaces, not just clay.
JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: Exactly.

Q. Do you think by your performances here and at the US Open, you've done that now?
JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: Of course, yes. I believe in me all the time, and I believe that I can play very good also in grass, you know, and also in indoor court. I think right now I'm showing to everybody, and I'm going to try to give my best also in Davis Cup on grass.

Q. You had a narrow escape earlier in the week. Do you think that's going to lift your confidence for the remaining two or three weeks of the year now with so much more important things at stake? Will it help you, just the fact that you did get out of that?
JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: Yeah, of course. To win this tournament is going to help me a lot. You know, I'm taking a lot of confidence after winning this match, after winning this tournament. Of course, it's going to help me to play in Paris, Houston and Davis Cup.

Q. I think we all expected you to do well this year, but have you actually possibly exceeded what you expected to do this year? Has the progress been faster than perhaps even you expected?
JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: No. I was expecting that I'm doing, you know. I expect that I can play very good on grass, and I did four round in Wimbledon, you know. After winning Roland Garros, that is pretty difficult to play good on grass.
You know, I was expecting that I can -- I wanted to play good on indoor courts. I think I did it very well here in Madrid. I hope to play at the same level in Paris and Houston, as well.

Q. Looking ahead to Wimbledon, I know next year is a long time, but you will have a grass court to practice on here. Is that something that you think will be of use to you? You always said that you think you have a good chance when you're at Wimbledon.
JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: Yeah. What do you think (laughter)?
Yeah, I think I can play very good on home. I have a synthetic court in my academia. I think it's good to try to practice well. I think if I have enough time to practice well, I can do it well.

Q. Is there a reason why you think you've had such a good year? Have you improved physically, mentally? Is everything better than it was before?
JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: I think so. I think mentally I improve a lot in the difficult moment, you know, in the match. Also after losing, you know, I think is very important to be calm, you know, not that I was before, maybe a little bit nervous after the final or important tournament, I have to learn that, of course, I'm going to be sad if I lose the final, but I have to be relax, you know, calm and keep going.

Q. I saw you had your leg taped. Did that disturb you?
JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: Yeah, I have a little problem in my adductor. I feel a little bit pain, you know, before the match maybe because I have a lot of sets, I play a lot of sets during the week. Yesterday was a difficult match against Federer.
Today I felt with a little pain in my abductor. You know, I think I need to put the tape to play, I need it, yeah.

Q. You didn't look happy at the end of the match. Do you think you should have done better? Were you satisfied with your match today?
JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: Yeah, I'm satisfied. Of course, I'm happy. But I'm like this. You know, I'm not smile guy all the time. But, of course, I'm pretty happy. Believe me.

THE MODERATOR: Questions in Spanish.

Q. Could you compare this triumph to Roland Garros?
JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: It's difficult to compare. They're different tournaments. That's a Grand Slam, this is indoor. This is very fast. That one is clay, this one is a different surface.
It's very special to win here at home for me after having played indoors and having found great difficulties as I found in the beginning. It was special also to win on clay, because I was looking for that. I've been looking for that for years, so it's difficult to answer.

Q. Yesterday you said if you won today, it would be a turnover in your career because we would know that you're able to play indoors, not only on clay. Could you comment on the words you said after the match?
JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: This title of being a player on clay is not nice, I don't like it, because I think I got rid of it years ago. Regarding this tournament, I think it's been a very important victory to me because I've been to Shanghai, Bangkok, those finals. I couldn't win them. But here I've been able to. So it's been important to me.
I'm able to say I've been able to win on all surfaces.
I think the words I said after the victory, I think my father also deserves those words. I thought I could change the ones of Roland Garros.

Q. Highlighting your career this year, quarterfinals in Australia where you fought till the end, very important Grand Slam. You also won at home in Valencia. A Grand Slam is a Grand Slam, but what do you think?
JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: Every title is important, in fact. But if you play in your country, in your city, that is something you feel closer maybe, something you're happy about. Maybe it's true, I'm born in Valencia, so that's important to me, too. Every tournament is important.

Q. Despite numbers and figures, Massu is a tough rival, don't you think?
JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: Yes, in fact, we played long points. Since the beginning of the match, he's been a good rival. He fought until the end. Even when he had a double break, it was difficult to turn the match over, to recover.
I was surprised with his strength, his psychological strength. I think he's improved a lot. He's defeated people such as Kuerten, Roddick, El Aynaoui, who are players that are very important. I think he played a great tournament.

Q. This victory puts you as leader of both rankings. That's very important now. You have an open way before you? What about Basel?
JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: Yeah, it's true now I'm calmer and I have a better place in the ranking, the best one. But I would like to keep the No. 1 until the end of the year. That would be another triumph after the year I've played. I hope to achieve it.
Talking about Basel, I've decided not to go because of my leg, the abductor. It's hurting a little bit. Right now after the match, it does hurt a little bit more. I wouldn't really want to go to Basel to force myself and my leg, especially after what I've done. It's not only because I've won the tournament, but I need to recuperate. I will need a few days for that. I don't really want to force myself.

Q. Could you perhaps put into words, either Spanish or English, what it is like to be not only the No. 1 player in the world but also leading the Champions Race at the same time?
JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: I think it's very important. It means that I've been playing well throughout the year. That's why I'm No. 1. I've won important tournaments, like one Grand Slam and a few other tournaments.
For me, the fact of being top in both rankings is very important. I'm very proud.

Q. What are you going to do next week?
JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: I'm going to rest until Wednesday, at least. Let's see how my leg is recuperating with the therapy. Then I will train indoors in Villena, in the academy, in order to prepare for Paris as best as possible.

Q. Are you going to party tonight?
JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: Yes. Victories must be celebrated always. So tonight there's a celebration, I can assure you that.

Q. After having won this week, and Feliciano's good tournament, do you think the subject of the altitude in Madrid can stop being a problem?
JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: To tell you the truth, I was very surprised the first day because of the court and how fast it was. It doesn't affect, the altitude. But I'm lucky to train in Villena at 500 meters. But even after training in Villena, I noticed this court is fast. I think other players do notice it, too.
It's difficult to play here with this altitude and on a hard court and fast court. You have to train hard. Your reflexes have to be even faster than usual because if you're not, you realize in the moment that you've almost lost the match.

Q. Regarding your goal of ending the year No. 1, who do you feel the most pressure from, Roddick or Federer?
JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: Both, because Roddick is very close. But if Federer does well, he'll be there, too. There's still two indoor tournaments left. Besides, the semifinals is in the Masters, so maybe Roddick has not so many points to defend. But their games are dangerous, both of them.

Q. The other day a colleague asked you about Houston and Melbourne. To what extent are you motivated because of your victory here in Madrid? Does that help you have more confidence going into those tournaments?
JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: Of course, to win a tournament always helps to accumulate energy for the rest. But I think I'm doing well. I hope to win more triumphs throughout the year, Davis Cup included.

Posted by nana at 9:42 AM

TMS MADRID FINALS PICTURES



pic: champion
pic: backhand
pic: close-up
pic: yeah
pic: kissing trophy
pic: serve
pic: holding up trophy
pic: another serve
pic: toss
pic: yesss!!
pic: return
pic: return 2
pic: taking a bow
pic: forehand
pic: celebrating
pic: another backhand
pic: with trophy

Posted by nana at 4:48 AM

Ferrero crowned the tennis king after Madrid title performance

Spain's Juan Carlos Ferrero thrashed Nicolas Massu 6-3, 6-4, 6-3 Sunday to win the 2.45-million-euro Madrid Masters in a performance which moved him towards dominance of the game. The 23-year-old top seed edged out to four points clear of Andy Roddick in the Champions race which leads to the eight-man Masters Cup next month in Houston.

With his 11th title, Ferrero took the first indoor trophy of his career after winning outdoors in Dubai and Hong Kong on the fast surfaces. After a dominating match, Ferrero moved out to a double-break in the third set as he closed in on victory. But Massu had an answer as he sprang a surprise break on the seed for 2-4.

Two games later, Ferrero fought through from 0-30 and reached 5-3 from back-to-back aces. He broke Massu to and after two and a half hours. It was Ferrero's third Masters title after Rome two years ago and Monte Carlo a year ago and fourth trophy of this season after the French Open, Monte Carlo and Valencia during the spring clay season.


"Instead of dedicating this trophy to my (late) mother, I dedicate it to my father, who watched me today, said the smiling winner, who claimed a cheque for 450,000 euros. "Massu had gotten lot better this year, he's beaten some quality players and is now one of the best of the world. This win feels very good."

Ferrero, the crowd darling, didn't disappoint as he swept to an easy 1-0 to hold and then broke Massu to 15 to strike an early blow with a 2-0 margin. The Spaniard, the scent of his possible race lead honours in the air, drove the Chilean challenger back and forth across the court in front of a packed-out 9,500 crowd at the Rockodromo.

After ten minutes of play, Ferrero held a commanding 3-0 lead as he finished the last game with his second ace. A subtle drop shot set up a break point in the fourth game, which Ferrero just nudged wide. The Chilean saved another break point chance in a long game to finally get on the scoreboard, 1-3.

The South American showed he'd settled his nerves, constructing a love game for 2-4. Ferrero answered for 5-2 but had to fight through a pair of break points as he served for the set. Massu's endurance paid a dividend as he got the Spaniard in trouble in the ninth game, with Ferrero getting out of jail to take the opener after 50 minutes, 6-3.

Ferrero raced away with the second set, breaking to love in the opening game and holding to love for a 3-1 lead. The Spaniard missed on two break point chances as Massu stayed alive 2-3. Massu put on pressure, with Ferrero escaping 0-30, piling on an ace on his way to 4-2. The Chilean's tortured forehand into the net gave the Spaniard three set points

Posted by nana at 4:36 AM

ATP INSIDER

BEND IT LIKE FERRERO

A number of top ATP players got the chance to meet some of the world's most high profile sports stars with three separate visits to the training ground of illustrious soccer club RealMadrid. JUAN CARLOS FERRERO, SEBASTIAN GROSJEAN, MARIANO ZABALETA, RAINER SCHUETTLER, YOUNES EL AYNAOUI and RAFAEL NADAL were among those who joined the likes of David Beckham, Zinedine Zidane, Roberto Carlos and Luis Figo at the morning training sessions. Ferrero, a Real Madrid supporter, showed off his soccer skills as the ATP players watched the stars go through their paces ahead of Saturday’s clash against Celta Vigo.

[...]

The ATP players received some of the soccer stars' shirts, and in exchange, returned the favor by giving them some racquets.

(For pix, please contact Alex at Akennison@atptennis.com).

TOURNAMENT TALES

Many of Real Madrid’s soccer stars attended JUAN CARLOS FERRERO’s second round match against WAYNE FERREIRA on Wednesday evening. David Beckham and wife Victoria (aka Posh Spice) were in the crowd alongside teammates Raul, Roberto Carlos, Iker Casillas, Michel Salgado, Esteban Cambiasso, Santiago Solari and Ivan Helguera.

After Ferrero’s thrilling victory, in which he saved two match points to win, Raul met up with the Roland Garros champion at the Telefonica stand on site and, along with the Real Madrid players, joined the Spaniard for dinner. Meanwhile, famous Spanish bullfighter Enrique Ponce also met up with Ferrero during the week.

Posted by nana at 2:25 AM

Order of Play

Match Start at: 5:00 PM
Juan Carlos FERRERO vs Nicolas MASSU

Posted by nana at 5:21 PM

SEMIFINALS PICTURES

pic: thumbs up
pic: forehand
pic: ya!
pic: backhand
pic: return
pic: toss
pic: victory
pic: another backhand
pic: serve
pic: follow through
pic: another forehand
pic: concentrating

Posted by nana at 4:41 PM

Much thanks to Vanessa for this new picture of JC at the Real Madrid camp!!

Posted by nana at 1:03 AM

Ferrero: "It's very important to me to keep being No. 1"


Q. I'd like to know if it's possible to forget the fact of being No. 1 when you play?

JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: I try to when I get on court to forget I have to keep my No. 1. If every time I go out and play I remember that I'm losing my ranking or whatever, I wouldn't be relaxed to play. I just try to defeat the player I have before me just for the fact of winning the match, not because of the No. 1. That would be a mistake.

Taking into account how things are right now, 1, 2, 3, the places are very close to each other. That would be a mistake.

Q. Was it important to you to retain your No. 1 spot this week in front of your home crowd?

JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: It's very important to me to keep being No. 1 in the world, and also because I'm in Spain, I try to show to everybody I'm in a great form and I'm playing a good tennis. For this reason, I'm No. 1.

So was pretty difficult.

Q. It's clear that you're improving, playing better every day. Are you more comfortable every day or that you're No. 1?
JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: No, it's not because I'm No. 1. I need to play better every day. But the first day, I was not used to the court. The court was fast. You need some time to adapt, and I did it match by match.

Today I think my level was very high.

Q. Federer/Lopez, you're watching it now, what could you say to us about it now?

JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: They're very similar players. Their serves are great. They come to the net constantly. Maybe Federer is a more complete playing behind the baseline. But Feliciano is playing brilliantly. He's in Madrid. He's in the quarterfinals right now. He proved to us yesterday.

I think it's going to be a difficult match anyway, but I hope Feliciano wins the match.

Q. Massu just said he would be pleased to play the final with you. What do you think about Massu?

JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: Nico has been improving. Right now he's at a great level. He defeated Kuerten, for instance, in this tournament, Roddick, today Chela in a very tough match. I think he deserves everything he's doing. He's achieving more and improving every day.

The fact that he wants to play the final against me makes me happy and pleased. It would be nice for both of us to be in the final.

Q. When you came so close to losing against Ferreira, is it easier after? Do you feel a little bit liberated in the matches after?

JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: No, no, no. I try the same as before. I'm so close to lose, you know, you have to try to give your best like the other day. I don't have to liberate anything. If I do this, maybe I'm going to lose, because I'm going to fight a lot.

I think you have to try to play at the same level all the time.

Q. On what part of your game are you happy at the moment? Which part of your game, since the beginning of this tournament?

JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: I'm happy with my serve especially because in the beginning I had problems with my foot. Right now I'm feeling better. To serve well here is important because of the altitude especially. I've improved. That gives me points that I need actually.

Q. There's only one month left before the Davis Cup. What is your impression?

JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: For the Davis Cup? It's very difficult to talk now about my impressions for Davis Cup, especially since we play on grass.
I'm willing to play. We all want the Davis Cup to take place. But it's still far away from the present. It's in our subconscious, but still far away from us.

Q. Before you said that Feliciano is motivated. What about you, if you played against him, because of the Davis Cup subject? Would he be motivated?

JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: For me it would be the same to play against him or against any other, but not because he's at home I need to change my game. It's the same to play against him or Federer.

Q. If you earned more points, do you think you could rest next week?

JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: No, not for the moment.

Q. But if you win this tournament, your fight for No. 1 is easier.

JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: Yes. I hope to win the tournament because it would be great to be No. 1 by the end of the year, especially because things are tough now. We're all very close to the top. Yeah, it would be good to have some advantage over the rest - Roddick, for instance.

Q. Today the match was great, the best of the tournament. Do you think you're going to try again a ham sandwich?

JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: I could try that technique again, but the room service had nothing else to eat (laughter).

Q. Tell us more about that.

JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: Well, yesterday we got so late to the hotel, there was nothing more than sandwiches. The ham sandwich was great.

Posted by nana at 5:07 AM

QUARTERFINAL PICTURES from JC's victory over Srichaphan 6-4, 6-2



pic: victory
pic: overhead shot of JC serving
pic: serve
pic: #1
pic: return
pic: backhand
pic: fist pump
pic: more celebrating

VIDEO of JC and other tennis players visiting the Real Madrid camp. View video here

Posted by nana at 4:32 AM

Number One Ferrero Eases Through to Madrid Semis

MADRID (Reuters) - Juan Carlos Ferrero of Spain brushed aside Thailand's Paradorn Srichaphan 6-4, 6-2 to reach the semifinals of the Madrid Masters and keep hold of the number one ranking for at least another week.

Ferrero, top seed at the $2.85 million tournament, was posed few problems by the erratic Paradorn on his way to a victory that took just 65 minutes.

The Spaniard was gifted a break when Paradorn double-faulted at 15-40 in game seven on the first set and he broke twice to take the second, the seventh seed blasting a return long on the second of three match-points.

Victory was enough to ensure that Ferrero will remain on top of the ATP entry list ahead of America's Andy Roddick, who went out in the third round against Nicolas Massu of Chile on Thursday.

Ferrero will face either third seed Roger Federer of Switzerland, who also stands a chance of finishing the year as world number one, or unseeded Spaniard Feliciano Lopez in the semifinals Saturday.

Posted by nana at 4:32 AM

HOLA PICS - much thanks to Ana for sending in these GREAT photos!

pic: JC in his new Mazda
pic: JC posing with a model
pic: just JC
pic: hand in hand with Patricia
pic: with Patricia

Posted by nana at 3:53 AM

Friday 17 october 2003 ~ Order Of Play

Center Court Court 1
Matches Start At: 12:15 PM
Sebastien GROSJEAN vs Younes EL AYNAOUI
followed by
Juan Ignacio CHELA vs Nicolas MASSU
followed by

Juan Carlos FERRERO vs Paradorn SRICHAPHAN
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JC INTERVIEW (vs Felix Mantilla)

Ferrero: "The match was complicated"


Q. You won in two sets.
JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: The match was complicated, but then we were even. In the second set, I think I made a couple errors, two or three points in a row. Maybe it was too much.
But it was a good match, especially the tiebreaks.
Don't tell me that we played badly indoors, please (smiling).

Q. Now you're in the quarterfinals, playing without pressure because you've qualified for Houston. Is it a good thing for you to play under pressure? You have nothing to lose.
JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: When one loses a match, he always loses something, of course. I'm motivated because I'm in Spain. You always learn from a match you win. Now I'm risking No. 1 against Federer, so that's important.

Q. According to the statistics, if you win the next match, you're No. 1.
JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: Yeah, tomorrow is a difficult match against Srichaphan. The last time we played, I won, in Sydney. Okay, it was outdoors, but it's going to be a difficult match, that's for sure.

Q. Now you have to go to Paris, Houston. Are you going to rest?
JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: Well, I didn't go to Vienna because of my injury, my foot. I'm a little bit rested. So let's play this week and next week we'll see.

Q. What about your foot?
JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: Today it was perfect. It didn't bother me. I'm happy. I played a hundred percent.

Q. What do you think about Moya's loss against Feliciano?
JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: Feliciano was motivated because he was playing at home. It's clear that he's used to playing in this type of altitude. His serve is a great weapon. He volleys very well. He moves well. It was an even match. He won. But it's one match of many. You shouldn't give it more thought.

Q. Once more you have the support of Real Madrid players. If you won the Godo, would you be upset if the Barcelona players were there?
JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: I hope Valencia players play well in Valencia's tournament (laughter).

Q. Will you deny you belong to Real Madrid or what?
JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: No, I'm not. I don't belong to the Real Madrid.


LOL Jc and Real Madrid cannot be separated no?

Posted by Unknown at 9:31 AM

Some pix from JC's 3rd round match. Ummm... new outfit? Or did the white stripes just fade in the wash??



pic: backhand
pic: serve
**pic: another one of JC and Raul

Posted by nana at 9:06 AM

Fighting Ferrero Stands Tall as Roddick, Moya Fall

Inspired by the chance to reclaim the ATP Champions Race lead if he wins the title, Juan Carlos Ferrero toughed out a gritty win for the second consecutive day at Tennis Masters Madrid on Thursday. A day after saving two match points against Wayne Ferreira, Ferrero moved to 8-0 in career meetings with Felix Mantilla with a 7-6(2), 7-6(0) win. The top seed next meets Houston hopeful Paradorn Srichaphan in the quarterfinals.

WHAT THE PLAYERS SAID

Ferrero: "The match was complicated, but then we were even. In the second set, I think I made a couple errors, two or three points in a row. Maybe it was too much. But it was a good match, especially the tie-breaks. I'm motivated because I'm in Spain. You always learn from a match you win."

Posted by nana at 9:05 AM

New wallpapers made by Terra Deportes featuring JC, Moya, Federer and other top tennis players. Check them out here or you can download the JC ones below ^^

Ferrero wallpaper 800x600 and 1024x768

Video interview where JC talks about his options in the Masters series. Interview is in Spanish. You need RealOne Player. Check it out here

Posted by nana at 6:31 AM

Order of Play -- Thursday, 16 October

Not before 7:30 PM
Feliciano LOPEZ vs Carlos MOYA
followed by

Juan Carlos FERRERO vs Felix MANTILLA

Posted by nana at 7:18 AM

WHAT THE PLAYERS SAID

Ferrero: "I saw him nervous with his double-fault. It wasn't quite normal for him. I tried to break his serve no matter what happened, and then keep fighting. It wasn't really clear I could win, I could beat him. That's never to be taken for granted."

On retaining his World No. 1 ranking: "If I lose, I lose the No. 1 in the ranking. I cannot be obsessed with that idea. Everyone has lost No. 1 at one stage of their career. People that are behind me are also strong, so it's difficult to keep on the top forever. I try hard every day to stay there. But today wasn't pressure. It wasn't a matter of not having a good day. I'm not adapted to a fast court like this. I hope tomorrow I'm going to be better, play a more complete match."

On having a bye in the first round: "If you play a match before, you get a bit more prepared. But a bye is also an advantage. It has advantages and disadvantages. You have to accept it."
--> from atp
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Beckham leads Ferrero appreciation society

MADRID (AFP) - England football skipper David Beckham exchanged the bitter hostility of Istanbul for the raucous atmosphere of the Rockodromo arena as he watched Spain's tennis king Juan Carlos Ferrero battle his way into the third round of the Madrid Masters.

French Open champion and world number one Ferrero had to saved two match points to scrape a dramatic 6-3, 2-6, 7-6 (7/4) victory over veteran South African Wayne Ferreira in the 2.45-million-euro tournament.

The top seed, who had trailed in the opening set 1-3 as Real Madrid star Beckham took his seat, lost the second set and put up a desperate battle in the third in front of 9,000 screaming fans.

The second-round win kept Ferrero's world number one spot safe for the time being, with Andy Roddick and Roger Federer still breathing down his neck.

The late arrival after the third game of the high-profile Beckham, and his his showbusiness wife, caused a stir at the Rockodromo along with the presence of other Real Madrid players.

Ferreira had his own problems with the crowd later in the match as he squandered two match points with the South African star angrily hitting out at the spectators' behaviour as he tried to close out the tie.

"The crowd should be ashamed of themselves, it was a disgraceful performance," said Ferreira.

Once Ferrero had saved the match points in the ninth game of the final set, the stage was set for a comeback by the popular top seed.
{...}

Posted by Unknown at 7:06 AM

Some pix from JC's match against Ferreira



pic: stretch
pic: yesssss!!
pic: Becks, Vicky, Carlos and Raul watching JC's match
pic: return
pic: eyeing the ball
pic: thanking the crowd
pic: celebrating his victory
new --> pic: serve

Here's a link to a video and some pix of the match as well --> a3n.tv video *down*

Posted by nana at 6:42 AM

Ferrero back from brink in Madrid
Two match points saved

World number one Juan Carlos Ferrero saved two match-points to claw his way back from 2-5 down in the final set and beat South Africa's Wayne Ferreira 6-3 2-6 7-6 in the second round of the Madrid Masters on Wednesday.

Ferrero, top seed at the 2.45 million euros indoor tournament, took just 32 minutes to take the first set but Ferreira raised his game to take control of the match from 2-2 in the second.

The unseeded Ferreira produced a series of immense forehand winners to take seven consecutive games and move 3-0 up in the third.

Ferreira improved that to 5-2 but Ferrero then took an injury break to have the strapping on an ankle removed and that delay seemed to affect the South African's rhythm.

Ferrero, roared on by the sort of support more akin to a Davis Cup tie, held his own serve and then capitalised as Ferreira's nerve failed him.

Ferrero saved the first of two match-points from 40-15 and then watched with relief as Ferreira double-faulted on the second.

Ferreira then put a back hand long after Ferrero's neat volley had forced a break-point and suddenly the Spaniard was back in the match.

Ferrero twice held his own serve at 4-5 and 5-6 to stay in contention and took a 5-3 lead in the tie-break when his opponent netted a simple volley.

At 5-4 up, Ferrero won his two service points to clinch the tie-break 7-4 and complete a memorable comeback.

Posted by nana at 6:19 AM

Juan Carlos Ferrero Receives the First Mazda RX-8 in Spain



More photos...

Posted by nana at 5:11 AM

Ferrero Receives World No. 1 Trophy

Juan Carlos Ferrero was presented with the No. 1 ATP Entry Ranking trophy on the Pista Central on Tuesday at the Tennis Masters Madrid. ATP Chief Executive Officer Mark Miles presented the Waterford Crystal trophy to Ferrero to rapturous applause from the home crowd.

Ferrero, the reigning French Open Champion and US Open finalist, is the 21st player to reach the top spot in the ATP Entry Rankings (since 1973). He joins Carlos Moya, who held the top spot for two weeks in March '99, as the only two Spaniards to have reached the pinnacle of the sport.



pic: JC and trophy
pic: kiss
new --> pic: hoisting the trophy

Posted by nana at 5:55 AM

Ok... here's the article that goes with the RM/JC pics. It says the players exchanged shirts and racquets but Becks is holding a Head racquet so I wonder who JC gave his racquet to *scratch head* -- nana ^^

Players Meet Real Madrid Stars

Several top ATP players got the chance to meet some of the world's most high profile sports stars on Tuesday, with a visit to the training ground of illustrious soccer club Real Madrid.

Juan Carlos Ferrero, Sebastian Grosjean, Mariano Zabaleta and Rafael Nadal were among those who joined the likes of Zinedine Zidane, Roberto Carlos and the world's most famous sport star David Beckham, in a morning training session.

The ATP players were lucky enough to receive some of the soccer stars' shirts, and in exchange, returned the favour by giving them their racquets.

------------------------------
More photos of JC in Real Madrid Camp =D

more jc and beckham
JC and Raul!!!
Kick!!!
family photos
JC taking a pic of Patricia and Figo

Posted by Unknown at 3:35 AM

The Order of Play of TMS Madrid for wednesday

Jc are scheduled to play on centre court, which start at 19.30 (madrid's time). He will face Wayne Ferreira.
To check the full order of play click here.

Posted by Unknown at 2:57 AM

A slightly old pic from the DC semis... love the hat!! ^^

Posted by nana at 3:57 AM

Young American second to Ferrero
Associated Press

MADRID, Spain -- Andy Roddick will try to claim the No. 1 ranking in tennis in the home country of top-ranked Juan Carlos Ferrero.

"I'm ready for No. 1," Roddick said.

The U.S. Open champion leads the calendar-year ATP Champions Race entering Tennis Masters Madrid, which starts Monday. By the end of the week, he also could be first in the ATP Entry Rankings.

Ferrero has led the 52-week rankings the past five weeks. Roddick is second.

Wimbledon champion Roger Federer, seeded third in Madrid behind Ferrero and Roddick, is also looking to be No. 1. Federer beat Carlos Moya in Vienna, Austria, on Sunday for his sixth title of the year.

"I am not far away, and I will hang on and see what happens," he said.

Last year, Madrid replaced Stuttgart in the Tennis Masters Series, the most prestigious tournaments behind the four Grand Slams. This is the next-to-last stop in the nine-tournament series, which ends in Paris.

-->News from espn

Uff Andy roddick send Jc a warning... eek >_<

Posted by Unknown at 1:15 AM

Whew... after 2 weeks of resting hope JC is ready to kick some booty in TMS Madrid.

Check out the main draw
JC has a bye in the 1st round and then meets the winner of the FERREIRA vs LJUBICIC match in the 2nd.

His main threat will be possibly meeting Federer in the semis (hoping he gets that far) >_<

Posted by nana at 3:10 AM

Oh no!! Looks like JC injured his heel and it's SERIOUS! =(

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Ferrero out of Vienna

French Open champion and top seed Juan Carlos Ferrero has pulled out of next week's CA Trophy due to injury, becoming the latest big name to withdraw from the Vienna tournament. Earlier on Friday, organisers said that the Argentine trio of Guillermo Coria, David Nalbandian and Gaston Gaudio would miss the event.

Earlier on Friday, organisers said that the Argentine trio of Guillermo Coria, David Nalbandian and Gaston Gaudio would miss the tournament.

Spain's Ferrero, a finalist at the U.S. Open, was forced to withdraw with a serious heel injury.

Coria, seeded third, withdrew due to a thigh injury, Nalbandian with hand and stomach problems and Gaudio because of a damaged elbow.

Coria has already qualified for the prestigious Masters Cup in Houston from November 8-16 but Nalbandian is still fighting for one of the remaining five places.

The former Wimbledon runner-up stands eighth in the ATP Champions Race, with the top eight players qualifying for Houston.

The top seeds in Vienna are now defending champion Roger Federer, Carlos Moya and Jiri Novak.

Posted by nana at 3:06 AM

Since JC's resting and training this week there's not much news floating about. But here's something sort of related to JC: Feliciano Lopez may replace Costa in the Davis Cup team, meaning he would play doubles with Corretja.

They are going to give the Lopez-Corretja pair a test run in TMS Madrid and make a final decision later on.

For those of you who can read Spanish you can read the full article here

Posted by nana at 8:45 AM