PHOTOS from the semi-finals



pic: during press conference
pic: tossing racquet
pic: return
pic: bandage
pic: shaking hands
pic: resting
pic: with Federer
pic: disappointment
pic: ouch
pic: changing sides
pic: handshake
pic: congratulating Federer
pic: wipe face
pic: backhand
pic: wipe sweat
pic: taking a break
pic: stretch for a return
-- with watermarks --
pic: ooohhh
pic: missed point
pic: dejected
pic: glancing over shoulder
pic: scratch nose
pic: frustration

Posted by nana at 7:20 AM

INTERVIEW JC's post match interview after his semi-final loss =(

>> video (low bandwidth)
>> video (high bandwidth)

R. FEDERER/J.C. Ferrero
6-4, 6-1, 6-4


Q. You obviously were not at a hundred percent. It's very difficult to put a figure on it, but what figure would you give for how good you were today in terms of fitness?

JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: How good? I was today not so good. I think I couldn't play my best tennis just because I couldn't arrive the ball so good, you know. I couldn't put the step by step, you know, behind the ball to hit the ball good, you know. And always he plays very fast for me, you know, and always with you a hundred percent. You can beat him if you play so good.

So today I was so far from hundred percent and, you know, I couldn't play three or four balls in a row a hundred percent.

Q. Did you expect him as strong, that strong?

JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: Yeah. I saw his games, you know, the day before, you know. I think he's playing good. But, anyways, I was playing so good the whole tournament, and I was hitting the ball perfect, you know. And I think that if I'm hundred percent, I could win the match.

Q. Can you remind us exactly when you first hurt your leg, then what you did about it at the time?

JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: You know, I start to feel problems in the second day, but I start to feel the problems in my leg when I was playing against Andrei Pavel, you know. I felt problem in one leg.

After, in the next match, I start to feel problems in the two legs. So I couldn't recover so good, you know, in these two days. I was taking antiinflammatories, two a day, you know, but anyways was not enough to be okay.

Q. Have you had this trouble before?

JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: Not always, but sometimes I have some problems in the abductors, you know. When I have big matches like five sets or something like this, I have some problems there. But not like this far, you know. This is the worst that I have.

Q. What exactly were the problems?

JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: I felt like, I don't know, a shot, you know, in my leg, in the left one, and then also in the right one. So when I go too far to take the ball, you know, I felt so much pain. And also to recover to go to the other ball, it's very difficult. So I feel pain like all the time.

Because I'm in movement all the time, and it's pretty difficult to not feel the pain.

Q. Was there any time during this week that you seriously considered pulling out of the tournament?

JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: You know, maybe the second day against Volandri because I felt problems in my back and also in my arm, you know. I couldn't feel so good on the courts.

But anyways, I was winning in three sets, so was not too long.

Then I felt the problems. But, you know, I could still playing. Today at 3-3 in the first set, I start to feel a lot of pain in my legs, you know, and I couldn't arrive the ball so good. Was a disaster.

Q. So under the circumstances you're happy with the semifinal at the Australian Open?

JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: Of course, I happy, but I'm a little bit disappointed, too. You know, it's not easy to arrive to semifinals playing so good tennis, but so bad physically. So I'm a little bit disappointed for this, of course.

Anyways, semifinal is a good result, you know, here in Australian Open, the first big tournament. But I think I could do some more.

Q. So you have to rest now?

JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: Yeah. I'm thinking in this, but I think that I will take some rest, yeah, because I have Davis Cup.

Q. You are going to play Davis Cup?

JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: I don't think so because I don't think it's so good to still working in tennis in the next couple of days, you know. I think I will be worse if I do so much, you know, and I will not arrive very good on the next Friday because I have to fly to come back to Spain. I recover from the jet lag again, you know, and also from my legs. Is too fast to be a hundred percent on Friday. So my coach and me, we are thinking that it's better to take some rest and try to be...

Q. So the next tournament will be?

JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: We don't know. We don't know yet. I have Rotterdam and Marseille. We hope that I will be hundred percent in one of these tournaments.

Q. Guys who played the Masters Cup and final of the Davis Cup often have a bit of a problem here. Do you feel that's part of the problem?

JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: Yeah, of course, yes, because I didn't have so much time to prepare in December, starting here in Australian Open. Just have 15 days to prepare physically. And, you know, also tennis, after take a rest 15 days, I was in holidays. So, of course, I didn't have so much time to prepare. And maybe it's part of the problem that I have now.

Q. Are you confident that it would be Moya and Nadal playing singles, you're confident?

JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: Yes, I think it's a good team. And Robredo, they are playing so good in doubles, and they can also play in singles because they're a good tennis players, like you could see, you know, results of Nadal or Robredo. So I think we have a great team.

Q. Any prediction for the final?

JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: I don't know. Physically I don't know how is going to be Marat. But, anyways, he has two days to recover. And Roger, maybe he has an easy match today. He doesn't have to run a lot because me.

I don't know. There is two big players in the final, you know, very aggressive all the time. Maybe Roger has very good forehand and maybe he can do a lot of points with this. But also Marat, he's very motivated because he come back from the injury and he can play very good in the final, as well.


ARTICLE Ferrero blames injury for Open loss

Thrashed semi-finalist Juan Carlos Ferrero blamed injury for his pasting at the hands of Roger Federer and said he was close to pulling out of the Australian Open due to leg and back problems.

The Spaniard was on the wrong end of a masterful display from the new world No.1 in Friday night's semi-final, going down 6-4 6-1 6-4.

Despite the lop-sided scoreline, Ferrero said he would have been a great chance to reach the final had he not come up against the Swiss carrying injuries.

"I think he's (Federer) playing good, but anyway, I was playing so good the whole tournament and I was hitting the ball perfect, you know," Ferrero said.

"I think that if I'm 100 per cent, I could win the match.

"Today I was so far from 100 per cent and, you know, I couldn't play three of four balls in a row 100 per cent.

"Today at 3-3 in the first set I start to feel a lot of pain in my legs, you know, and I couldn't arrive (at) the ball so good.

"(It) was a disaster."

Ferrero said he began to develop pain in his legs during his first round win over Albert Montanes and had considered withdrawing after the second round win over Filippo Volandri.

He started taking anti-inflammatory pills after the fourth round match against Andrei Pavel.

Ferrero said he was likely to sit out Spain's first-round Davis Cup tie against the Czech Republic early next month to help his body recover.

Asked who would win the final between Federer and Marat Safin, Ferrero said his own showing on the night might have helped the Swiss.

"Physically, I don't know how (Safin) is going to be," he said.

"And Roger, maybe he has an easy match today. He doesn't have to run a lot because (of) me."

Posted by nana at 7:03 AM

SCHEDULE OF PLAY

Day 12: Friday, 30 January

RLA 3:00 PM Start

1. Women's Doubles - Finals Virginia Ruano Pascual (ESP)[1] Paola Suarez (ARG)[1] vs. Svetlana Kuznetsova (RUS)[4] Elena Likhovtseva (RUS)[4]
2. Mixed Doubles - Semis Jonathan Erlich (ISR) Liezel Huber (RSA) vs. Leander Paes (IND)[4] Martina Navratilova (USA)[4]
3. Men's Singles - Semis Juan Carlos Ferrero (ESP)[3] vs. Roger Federer (SUI)[2]

Posted by nana at 10:11 PM

RANKINGS Just a little excerpt relating to the race for #1 between Federer and JC.

Ferrero needs to beat Federer and then Andre Agassi or Safin in the final to return to No. 1. Federer will get there for the first time if he beats Ferrero.

>> full article

PHOTOS A few more pics of JC's win over Arazi in the quarterfinals. Best of luck to JC in his semifinal match up against Federer tomorrow ^^

pic: follow through
pic: backhand
pic: return
pic: tired out
pic: good match

INTERVIEW

>> video clip (low bandwidth)
>> high bandwidth

J.C. FERRERO/H. Arazi
6-1, 7-6, 7-6


THE MODERATOR: First question, please.

Q. Could you maybe describe where the turning point in that match was? It was a close battle between two baseliners. The main reason you came through today?

JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: You know, I think we have same style to play, you know, in hard court. You know, we play from the baseline. You know, we are a good rallies tennis players. We like to play from the baseline, you know.

You know, is our style. We try to play our best tennis, and we do a lot of points on the baseline. You know, that's it.

Q. What was the key to the victory today?

JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: The key? I think, you know, the key -- I don't know. The key is that I could win more points than him.

No, I think I play very good with my forehand, you know. I try to do a lot of pression in his backhand with my forehand all the time, you know, and try to go to the net sometimes. And also I think I serve very good, and I could leave in difficult moments when my serve is very good, with some ace, with free point with the service.

So I think the key was service and forehand.

Q. Are you disappointed you didn't win the second set more easily?

JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: You know, yeah, I could win easier. With 5-4, 40-15, you know, easy volley, I could finish the point very good, and the set. And finally I did easy mistakes, you know, until the end of the set.

But finally I could win the set. Was better, because if not in the third set I start to feel a lot of tired, you know. If I lose the third set, who knows if I can win the match, because at the end of the third set I start to feel very tired.

Q. Are you sore also?

JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: Yeah, also, yeah. But, anyways, I think I will be okay again in two days. You know, I need some rest today and tomorrow. Tomorrow I will play like 30 minutes, 40 minutes. You know, with 48 hours, I think, I will be okay.

Today, anyways, the match was very tough. We do a lot of long points, you know, a lot of rallies. So for my legs, it was a good test because two days ago I was with a lot of problems. And today was a good test, and I think I pass very good.

Q. On the hard court, compared to clay, are you 80% comfortable, 90%?

JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: No, a hundred percent.

Q. You're just as comfortable as on clay?

JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: Yes.

Q. When did that happen?

JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: All the last year I play very good on hard courts. You know, I did US Open final. I did Master final. You know, I did a lot of great results on hard court, so it means I can play very good. My confidence on hard court is a hundred percent as clay court.

Q. If you have a choice, you still prefer to play on clay? It's more natural?

JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: So-so, huh? I like to play on hard courts, as well.

Q. You actually have very good results on all kinds of surfaces, even in Wimbledon and here with the Australian Davis Cup.

JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: Yes.

Q. Is it a big motivation for you to be the first Spanish guy to have big results on all surfaces?

JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: No. You know, I try to give my best on all surface, you know. I think, as the other players, you know, the other players also try to play very good on grass courts.

But, you know, I think I have a court in my academia, to try to practice there. A synthetic grass court is not the same, but I can practice two weeks after Roland Garros. I can feel how I have to play on grass also.

So, you know, I had the chance to prepare very good. Maybe it's this reason that I can play good also on grass courts.

Q. To be No. 1 again, does that provide extra motivation for you?

JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: Yeah, of course. Of course, yes. You know, I have very close the No. 1. And also because Roddick is out of the tournament. He lose some points, you know. I am in the semifinals with the chance to try to pass to the final and go closer to be a No. 1 again. So it's, of course, I'm very motivated to try to get it again.

Q. People are talking about Roger Federer, Andre Agassi, not so much about you. Does that bother you or is that good for you?

JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: You know, I don't know why because I think I play really good matches against them, you know, and I won against both players. So I don't know why they talk about this.

Q. You have quietly gone through the tournament where most of these players have a lot of focus on them. Does that give you extra motivation to do well here?

JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: No, no, no. I go on my way. I try to win my matches. If the people don't want to talk, for me, I will go the same way in the court.

Q. Is it tough to play someone like Arazi who gets so many balls back and also gets the crowd laughing?

JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: Yes, is very tough because he runs a lot, you know, and it's very difficult to win a point, so...

He has a lot of talent also with his backhand, you know. Also when you play with left-hand guy, it's difficult to return his serve. And, you know, I played a lot of times with him, and always is difficult. So I knew it before the match that is going to be very, very tough match.

Q. Did you train with Marat Safin when he was in Spain at all?

JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: Sometimes. Was long time ago when he was living in there.

Q. How do you rate him? You might play him.

JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: What?

Q. How do you like playing against him?

JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: Safin, he has a lot of potential tennis, you know. He's pretty tall, you know. He has a lot of power. He serve very strong. His performance, you know, forehand and backhand, you know, he hit the ball very strong.

You know, he's a tough guy to win, of course.

Q. Your groin injury, do you think it comes - like Grosjean was injured here, many of the women players are injured, as well - would it come from the Rebound Ace courts, or could it happen at the US Open as well?

JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: I can't tell you. I don't know. It's impossible to know for me.

You know, these courts are very, you know -- I don't know how you say in English.

Q. Sticky?

JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: Yeah, yeah, very sticky, you know. When you run a lot, you have to slides a little bit, and you can't. You know, and maybe for the legs is very tough.

But, anyways, we have to play on all surface. And if we have this one in here, we have to try to prepare so good.

Q. Back to November, you didn't play that well in the Masters Cup. You lost some matches.

JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: I started the year with one loss just in Sydney, you know. Last year is last year. If I start the new year, I start a new year. You know, I have to forget Masters Cup, maybe Davis Cup. And then I try to came here and give my best tennis again.

So I was a lot of motivated, you know, because I lose in Sydney. You know, I try to play good there, but I couldn't. So I came here practicing well and try to play good.

Q. Where is your level now?

JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: I don't know. I'm playing very good. You know, I'm playing very solid, very strong. I'm serving good. So I have I think chance to win.

Q. Can you talk about your next opponent, Nalbandian or Federer, the challenge they pose to you?

JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: Roger is also a very good, talented guy. He can do every shot when he wants, you know. Always is difficult to return his serves, you know. And he does amazing shots wherever he want.

And Nalbandian also play with a lot of talent. Forehand and backhand very solid. No mistakes on the court, you know, very concentrate all the time.

So the winner of today's going to be very difficult for me to win.

Q. Who do you expect to play?

JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: You know, is very difficult to say. Both guys are very good tennis players, so I don't have prefer to play.

Posted by nana at 5:41 AM

ARTICLE Ferrero eyes regaining No.1 ranking after reaching semis

MELBOURNE, Australia, (AFP) - Spain's Juan Carlos Ferrero has his sights on the Australian Open title and the world number one ranking after wrestling his way into the semi-finals of the Australian Open.

With Andy Roddick about to lose the top ranking after his defeat to Marat Safin on Tuesday, the way is open for world number three Ferrero or second-ranked Roger Federer to become the king of men's tennis depending on results at the year's first Grand Slam tournament.

The French Open champion emerged from a dogfight with Moroccan Hicham Arazi to win 6-1, 7-6 (8/6), 7-6 (7/5) in 2hr 36min and set up a last-four showdown on Friday with either Federer or Argentine eighth seed David Nalbandian.

Federer and Nalbandian play their quarter-final later Wednesday.

"I am very close to number one and now that Roddick is out of the tournament and will lose some (rankings) points I have the chance to go closer to number one again," Ferrero said.

"Of course, I'm very motivated to try to get it again."

Ferrero occupied the top ranking for eight weeks from September to November last year before Roddick finished the year-end number one.

"I'm playing very good. I'm playing very solid, very strong. I'm serving good. So I think I have a chance to win," he said of his title prospects.

It is 23-year-old Ferrero's best performance at an Australian Open in four trips, but he has had to do it tough fighting his way through a series of injuries to stay alive.

He was hampered by a thigh strain in his Monday match against Romanian Andrei Pavel that needed lengthy treatment and followed a forearm injury earlier in the tournament and a long-standing problem with spasms in his back. He appeared to be troubled by a groin strain on Wednesday.

"I will be okay again in two days. I need some rest today and tomorrow, but with 48 hours I will be okay."

Ferrero had a terrific tussle with Arazi after strolling through the first set for the loss of just one game.

"The match was very tough. We had a lot of long points and a lot of rallies. It was a good test for my legs because two days ago I had a lot of problems and I think I passed the test today," Ferrero said.

"I played my forehand well today and pressured his backhand with my forehand all the time and I tried to get to the net sometimes.

"My serve was good and I could get some free points with some aces in difficult moments."

Arazi was backing up after his wonderful straight sets victory over Australian 10th seed mark Philippoussis in the previous round and looked a little flat early before he rallied late in the second set.

"I knew that Hicham always plays good rallies and it's more normal to beat him 7-6, 7-6 than 6-1 (in the first set)," said Ferrero, who has now beaten Arazi in four of their six meetings.

Ferrero broke his second service game as he moved the Moroccan around the back of the court and he repeated it in Arazi's next service game to storm to a 5-1 lead and the set.

The third seed broke Arazi in the opening game of the second set with the Moroccan howling in frustration over his growing number of errors.

The Spaniard was serving for the set at 5-4 and held two set points at 40-15 but in a dramatic turnaround Arazi fought back for two break points as Ferrero lapsed into error.

Arazi broke back to 5-5 and the set went to a tiebreaker.

There was a huge swing to the Moroccan who got to 6/3 and three set points, but Ferrero rubbed them out and then grabbed a set point of his own with Arazi's forehand just long after an exciting rally and then netting a backhand to put the Spaniard up two sets to love.

Ferrero's serve was coming under attack in the third set and he fought off two break points before holding in the fifth, but Arazi broke through in the world number three's next service game when a Ferrero backhand was well wide to Arazi to lead 4-3.

Ferrero was again under pressure in his next service game with Arazi holding two set points before he held for 5-4.

But Arazi dropped his next serve amid forehand errors to locked the games up.

Ferrero, steady under pressure, again played the better of the two in the second tiebreaker getting to 6/5 and match point and winning when Arazi's backhand found the net.

Ferrero is the first Spaniard into the Australian semi-finals since 1997 finalist Carlos Moya.

Posted by nana at 6:38 PM

PHOTOS Quarterfinals v Arazi



pic: forehand
pic: another forehand
pic: up close
pic: yeah!
pic: ball toss
pic: fist pump
pic: with Arazi
pic: wave
pic: yell

-- with watermark --
pic: serve
pic: another serve
pic: return
pic: backhand
pic: setting up
pic: lunge
pic: bounce racquet
pic: reach
pic: throw racquet
pic: celebrating
pic: forehand return
pic: pumped
pic: in action
pic: service motion
pic: comforting Arazi
pic: shaking hands
pic: victory
pic: at the net
pic: standing ovation
pic: ???
pic: thanking the crowd
pic: signing for the fans

Posted by nana at 4:33 PM

COMMENTARY Ferrero eases past Arazi

All the action as Juan Carlos Ferrero beats Hicham Arazi in the quarter-finals of the Australian Open.
Latest score: Ferrero 6-1, 7-6 (6), 7-6 (5) Arazi
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Third set

Ferrero 7-6 Arazi
The second point of the tie-break produces another incredible rally that sees Arazi recover after being lobbed to return to the net, only to be passed by an exhausted Ferrero. The Spaniard gets a match point when Arazi puts a forehand wide at 6-5 and clinches the match when the Moroccan nets a backhand.

Ferrero 6-6 Arazi
A couple of wild shots from Ferrero give Arazi a useful headstart in the game and, despite a double fault, he holds on to force the tie-break.

Ferrero 6-5 Arazi
Another dreadful Ferrero volley gives Arazi a break point but the Spaniard then comes up with an ace and goes on to take the game, putting huge pressure on Arazi to hold.

Ferrero 5-5 Arazi
Arazi's nerve fails as he serves for the set and some punishing groundstrokes from Ferrero force the break back to 15.

Ferrero 4-5 Arazi
Blistering winners on both the forehand and backhand take Arazi to set point but he pays the penalty for being negative and Ferrero takes advantage to hold.

Ferrero 3-5 Arazi
Another love service game from the rejuvenated Arazi leaves Ferrero serving to stay in the set - and looking out of sorts on the backhand.

Ferrero 3-4 Arazi
Ferrero makes a dive volley reminiscent of Boris Becker at 40-30 but Arazi puts a forehand into the open court to force deuce. The Spaniard then makes successive backhand errors to give Arazi a break of serve.

Ferrero 3-3 Arazi
Arazi makes hard work of the game despite leading 40-15, finally coming through on the first deuce with a big serve.

Ferrero 3-2 Arazi
A dramatic game sees Ferrero save two break points - the second with an ace - before clinching the game in a stunning rally that includes two net cords with a backhand winner. He then gives Arazi a friendly slap on the back at the changeover as both players enjoy the moment.

Ferrero 2-2 Arazi
Arazi levels with his first love game of the match and he does not look ready to give up just yet.

Ferrero 2-1 Arazi
Arazi, helped by some kind bounces off the net cord, puts Ferrero under pressure and takes him to deuce but is unable to string two telling shots together when it comes to the crunch.

Ferrero 1-1 Arazi
The pair exchange blistering baseline shots, but it is Arazi who finds more winners down the lines to draw level.

Ferrero 1-0 Arazi
The Spaniard slaps down some fierce serves and ace number 15 seals the game to 15.

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

Second set

Ferrero 7-6 Arazi
Arazi looks ready to level the match when he moves to 6-3 but Ferrero puts in two big serves before the Morrocan hits a wild forehand on his third set point. An epic 37-stroke rally then ends with another Arazi error and Ferrero takes the set with a big backhand.

Ferrero 6-6 Arazi
Three aces in a row get Ferrero back on track and set up what could be a decisive tie-break.

Ferrero 5-6 Arazi
From out of nowhere Arazi has taken control of the set, holding serve to 15 and putting the pressure on Ferrero to force a tie-break.

Ferrero 5-5 Arazi
Ferrero chooses his first set point at 40-15 to make his initial venture to the net and promptly puts the volley in the net. He does exactly the same two points later and Arazi converts his second break point to bring the match back to life.

Ferrero 5-4 Arazi
Ferrero fights back from 40-15 down to force deuce but Arazi holds his nerve and takes the game with a superb backhand down the line.

Ferrero 5-3 Arazi
Arazi gets his first chance of the match at 15-40 but Ferrero steps up a gear to win four straight points and hold on to his break of serve.

Ferrero 4-3 Arazi
Arazi effectively keeps the set alive by staving off two set points, one with a sublime forehand winner down the line.

Ferrero 4-2 Arazi
Ferrero opens with two aces and goes on to hold with ease - before confusing Arazi by leaving the court to change rackets as the Moroccan is about to resume serving.

Ferrero 3-2 Arazi
The crowd tries to get behind Arazi as he holds serve again because the match remains rather low key as Ferrero dominates.

Ferrero 3-1 Arazi
Arazi may be off the mark in this set but he is making no impression on the Ferrero serve at the moment - the Spaniard holds to 15..

Ferrero 2-1 Arazi
Arazi looks understandably relieved as he holds serve to finally win his second game of the match.

Ferrero 2-0 Arazi
Two sublime backhand winners from Ferrero keep the pressure on Arazi and the game is won with another huge serve.

Ferrero 1-0 Arazi
Things go from bad to worse for Arazi as he drops serve again and at the moment he is simply being outmuscled and outplayed by Ferrero.

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

First set

Ferrero 6-1 Arazi
Arazi is suffering against the underrated Ferrero serve and his returns are only making mid-court, allowing the Spaniard to blast winners at will.

Ferrero 5-1 Arazi
Arazi is struggling as Ferrero is able to find winners on both sides and the Moroccan nets a forehand to give up another break of serve.

Ferrero 4-1 Arazi
Ferrero has been struggling with injury over the last week but he is showing no sign of it today, forcing Ararzi back with some huge groundstrokes and leaving the Moroccan stranded behind the baseline.

Ferrero 3-1 Arazi
Ferrero gets the break of serve at the second opportunity, forcing Arazi out wide with a cross-court backhand and finishing him off with a forehand down the line.

Ferrero 2-1 Arazi
A big ace gives Ferrero the game and his edge in terms of power could prove decisive as Arazi is already being forced to chase a lot of balls.

Ferrero 1-1 Arazi
Ferrero is happy to dictate the rallies with his rock-steady backhand before going for winners on the forehand, but he finds the net on break point and Arazi holds.

Ferrero 1-0 Arazi
The match opens with some spectacular shot-making from both players, but Arazi's stunning backhand return winner is outdone by Ferrero's heavy forehand as the Spaniard holds serve.


MATCH STATISTICS

Arazi(MAR) Ferrero(ESP)

1st Serve % 69 of 106 = 65 % 73 of 129 = 57 %
Aces 2 18
Double Faults 5 1
Unforced Errors 43 50
Winning % on 1st Serve 49 of 69 = 71 % 55 of 73 = 75 %
Winning % on 2nd Serve 16 of 37 = 43 % 30 of 56 = 54 %
Winners (Including Service) 32 41
Break Point Conversions 2 of 10 = 20 % 4 of 8 = 50 %
Net Approaches 11 of 14 = 79 % 22 of 33 = 67 %
Total Points Won 109 126
Fastest Serve 196 KPH 198 KPH
Average 1st Serve Speed 167 KPH 179 KPH
Average 2nd Serve Speed 129 KPH 145 KPH

Posted by nana at 4:24 PM

SCHEDULE OF PLAY Day 10: Wednesday, 28 January

Rod Laver Arena - 11:00 AM Start

1. Patty Schnyder (SUI)[22] vs. Lisa Raymond (USA)[25]
2. Anastasia Myskina (RUS)[6] vs. Kim Clijsters (BEL)[2]
3. Hicham Arazi (MAR) vs. Juan Carlos Ferrero (ESP)[3]


PHOTOS A couple more shots of JC from his 4th round match.

pic: ball toss
pic: forehand
pic: return

INTERVIEW Arazi talks about meeting JC in the quarterfinals.

Q. Can you talk about your match-up with Juan Carlos?

HICHAM ARAZI: Yeah, I lost him. I played him four times, I think, or five times. On clay I always lost to him. I beat him two times on the hard courts in Cincinnati and in Bercy. So that's the only two times where we play on hard courts. So I think he improve a lot his game on those courts. Is going to be for sure very hard. But I believe that I can win again after tomorrow.

Q. What do you have to do well to beat him in your game?

HICHAM ARAZI: Just to be aggressive, you know, and try to come more at the net. I think I'm going to have to be also fit because he's going to make me run a lot.

But to stay aggressive and to come.

Q. He's had a few injuries, as well. Are you conscious of his fitness as well at this stage?

HICHAM ARAZI: I didn't know, no. I just going to be, you know, focused like today and try to think about my game, not thinking about him. And then I think I have good chance.

Posted by nana at 2:40 PM

VIDEO Highlights from JC's match against Pavel and a short clip from his post match interview. JC was asked whether or not he would change his game against Arazi because of his injury to which he responded "no." He feels that he should be fully recovered by his next match in 2 days.

>> low bandwidth
>> high bandwidth

ARTICLE Men's quarter-final preview

Juan Carlos Ferrero (3) v Hicham Arazi

A run of seven-straight losses in tournament play isn't the ideal preparation for the year's first Grand Slam but Juan Carlos Ferrero has bounced back in superb style at Melbourne Park. After not dropping a set against either Albert Montanes or Filippo Volandri, he progressed in four against Swede Joachim Johansson and Romanian Andrei Pavel. His biggest battle so far has been with a groin injury which has threatened to derail his campaign. The injury, a torn adductor muscle, cost him the second set against Pavel, but he continues to receive treatment.

The athletic Arazi is exactly the sort of opponent Ferrero wouldn't want to be facing in a Grand Slam quarter final under an injury cloud. Before his straight-sets demolition of Mark Philippoussis, the left-hander had shown little to suggest that he would trouble the tournament's top seeds. He defeated Frenchman Olivier Mutis in four and then was the beneficiary as Cyril Saulnier retired injured in the second round. He dropped the first set of his third-round match with Albert Costa but recovered to win in four and set up his match with Philippoussis.

Ferrero holds the edge 3-2 in their five clashes so far but each of those wins have come on clay, the most recent in the 2002 Davis Cup tie in Spain. Arazi has won both matches played on hard courts, in Cincinnati and Paris in 2001.

>> full article

Posted by nana at 3:02 AM

INTERVIEW Transcribed post-match interview.
There is also a video you can download that uses Windows Media Player.

>> low quality (for slower connections)
>> high quality

J.C. FERRERO/A. Pavel
6-4, 3-6, 6-3, 6-2


Q. How is your leg?

JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: You know, is so-so right now, you know. I feel some, you know, stress at the beginning of the match, you know, when I was 4-3 with a break.

But then with the tape and I take also ibuprofen, it's like aspirin to feel less the pain, and I was going well, and I could finish the match good.

Q. What is the injury?

JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: In the adductor, you know. It's like, I don't know.

Q. Not hamstring?

JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: Yeah, it's a little bit broke, but...

Q. What part of the hamstring?

JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: Hamstring, yeah.

Q. No, it's the groin.

JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: Groin, yeah.

Q. Is it something you think will prevent you from practicing tomorrow?

JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: I will see. I will see how is going tomorrow, you know. Today we will do some ultrasound or we will put ice. We'll see tomorrow if I'm good, you know. I will practice just calm, you know, hit some balls, and after tomorrow to be ready to play.

Q. Were you in pain when you were playing the last two sets?

JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: Yeah, of course. I feel a little bit of pain because, you know, I put the tape, but anyways I feel a little bit the pain.

But I could play my game.

Q. Do you feel you're going through the tournament and you're not getting much attention like a lot of the other players, you're quietly going through?

JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: No, I don't think this, you know. I just go to play my matches, and that's it, you know.

Q. So you don't care that people aren't focusing on you?

JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: I see the people is focus also in me, you know. I'm 3 in the world, so of course the people is thinking of me.

Q. Are you surprised you've been playing on the outer courts as opposed to the stadium?

JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: No, because today was two Australian guys playing, so it's more normal to play in the Vodafone, of course.

Q. Is your confidence coming back now? You had seven defeats coming into this tournament. How well do you think you're playing now? Are you close to your best?

JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: I'm playing very good, you know. I start to play today with a lot of confidence, hitting the ball pretty good. I feel very comfortable in the court, hitting the ball very good from my forehand, backhand and serve, you know.

After the injury also, I hit the ball very well all the time. Of course, I'm with a lot of confidence because I won a difficult matches, you know, also with injuries. So I'm with a lot of power.

Q. Did you come into this tournament having lost a little bit of confidence after all those defeats?

JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: Not really. You know, not really. Because I finish the year playing the good matches. I lose these matches, but I played against the best in the world, you know. I played Davis Cup, you know. I went to Sydney, I lose first round. But I was practicing very good, and I was with a lot of confidence that I can play very good here.

I'm doing well.

Q. What sort of a player is Pavel to play against? Is he difficult for you to play against?

JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: You know, against anybody. But of course it's more difficult to play also, I don't know, Federer, Hewitt, you know, these kind of guys, Agassi, Safin, Nalbandian, the top player. They are top players because they are pretty good.

Q. How far away do you think you are from your best tennis?

JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: Is not easy to say. Not easy to say because I'm playing very good, not right now, but I don't know if tomorrow, after tomorrow I'm going to play much better. But it's very difficult because I'm playing good. I'm like a hundred percent.

Q. Will you change your schedule at all this year? Last year you did so well.

JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: Not yet, you know, no. I will play the same tournaments as the last year, but maybe I will do a break in the summer.

Q. Have you decided yet if you will play the Olympics?

JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: Yes, I will.

Q. Maybe it's difficult, but comparing the Olympics and winning a gold medal, is it possible to compare winning a US Open?

JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: No, always is the same question. It's no compare. Olympic Games is one thing. Is not a normal tournament. And the other tournaments, it's completely different. So it's very difficult to compare.

I can't tell you which one is more important, to win a Grand Slam or to win Olympic Games, you know. Maybe you have all the years to have a chance to win a Grand Slam. It's four years you have the chance to win Olympic Games.

So maybe this year it's more important to win the Olympic Games than the Grand Slam.

Q. How do you think the interest for the Olympics is around the players?

JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: I don't know. You know, they have to put in some number. It's like driving lessons. You know, when you do five mistakes, you know, you're not confirmed. So they have to do it. They don't have election. Because if not, the draw will be a lot of players. It's impossible.

Q. Did you find some of the things Andrei was doing out there annoying, when he jumped into the icebox? Was that more of a chuckle for you or did it have any effect?

JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: No. Was funny. Is not important.

Q. What part of your game really pleased you most today?

JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: I think I was serving very good. Is one of the key of the match that I win it, because I needed a lot of free points. But to serve, when you do the point serve.

And today I need it because I couldn't move a hundred percent. So I think I was serving so good. And also was very important the second ball. When he return the second ball, I try to win each point because I didn't want to do a rallies.

Q. If the Moroccan wins, what is your record like against him?

JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: I don't know. We play a lot of times. So, I don't know.

Q. 2-1.

JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: 2-1? For who?

Q. You.

JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: For me.
--

Erm... I think the interviewers confused JC with that injury question. He actually tore his adductor muscle (inner thigh) not his groin. You can see the tape on his thigh in some of the pictures.

Posted by nana at 6:25 PM

PHOTOS Round 4



pic: jump
pic: flying around the court
pic: return
pic: another return
pic: playing a forehand
pic: between the legs
pic: pumped
pic: after match point won
pic: waving
pic: victory wave
pic: autographs
pic: more autographs (what a nice guy)
-- with watermarks --
pic: forehand
pic: another forehand
pic: close up
pic: backhand return
pic: fist pump
pic: in white (erm... guess the black top was getting too hot)
pic: yeah


ARTICLE Ferrero struggles past Pavel

Third seed Juan Carlos Ferrero booked his place in the Australian Open quarter-finals after the challenge of Andrei Pavel faded.

Pavel briefly threatened an upset when he levelled the match at one set all but the Romanian could not maintain that form.

Ferrero strolled through the last two sets to complete a solid, if unconvincing, 6-4 3-6 6-3 6-3 win.

He awaits Hicham Arazi in the last eight.

Ferrero needed treatment on a leg injury twice during the match, but he denied it had affected his performance.

"I started to feel better and better during the match, I tried to fight a lot and win - I did it very well," said Ferrero.

"I was very focused and concentrated on my game and not on my injury."

Posted by nana at 4:58 PM

COMMENTARY Not very detailed this time but thought the medical time out was important. Hope the injury isn't serious ^^

03:50 Vodafone Arena: Pavel holds serve for 1-0.

04:07 Vodafone Arena: Ferrero breaks to lead 3-2.

04:10 Vodafone Arena: Ferrero secures the break. He leads 4 games to 2.

04:25 Vodafone Arena: Medical time out as Juan Carlos Ferrero suffers from a thigh problem.

04:27 Vodafone Arena: Both players are back on the court.

04:29 Vodafone Arena: Love game Ferrero. The Spaniard takes the first set 6-4.

04:37 Vodafone Arena: Pavel breaks to lead 2-0.

05:05 Vodafone Arena: Pavel takes the second set 6-3.

05:49 Vodafone Arena: Ferrero breaks to take a 5-3 lead.

05:52 Vodafone Arena: Ferrero leads by 2 sets to one after winning the third one 6-3.

06:01 Vodafone Arena: Ferrero secures the break. 2-0.

06:22 Vodafone Arena: Pavel makes the crowd laugh by trying to enter into the water cooler, but Ferrero doesn't look to find it very funny.



06:26 Vodafone Arena: Ferrero is gonna serve for the match. The Spaniard leads 5-2.

06:28 Vodafone Arena: Game, set, match Ferrero. The third seed wins 6-4 3-6 6-3 6-2 to go through.

MATCH STATISTICS

Pavel(ROM) Ferrero(ESP)

1st Serve % 81 of 135 = 60% 69 of 115 = 60%
Aces 17 11
Double Faults 3 4
Unforced Errors 34 40
Winning % on 1st Serve 50 of 81 = 62% 52 of 69 = 75%
Winning % on 2nd Serve 32 of 54 = 59% 28 of 46 = 61%
Winners (Including Service) 34 53
Break Point Conversions 1 of 3 = 33% 4 of 13 = 31% [*sigh* so many break chances but didn't convert... JC should have won in 3 sets]
Net Approaches 34 of 58 = 59% 30 of 35 = 86%
Total Points Won 117 133
Fastest Serve 204 KPH 198 KPH
Average 1st Serve Speed 178 KPH 175 KPH
Average 2nd Serve Speed 142 KPH 141 KPH

Posted by nana at 3:36 PM

INTERVIEW Post 3rd round interview
January 24, 2004

J.C. FERRERO/J. Johansson
6-1, 7-6, 6-7, 6-4


THE MODERATOR: Questions for Juan Carlos.

Q. Is that a little bit more difficult than you expected?

JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: You know, I saw him like three years ago when he was playing against one of my friends at his practicing (inaudible) Australian junior, but I see some good changes in him, you know, the serve, you know, very good forehand. But anyways, maybe he has to improve mistakes in important moments. But, anyways, I think he improve a lot everything.

Q. On the tournament as a whole, generally in the past the Australian Open seems to be a tournament where it's important to be fit, the fit guys come through at the end. This year we're seeing all the big names progressing. Is it different this year the way people have prepared?

JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: No, no, no. I think the people prepared Australian Open very well, you know, because is true when we are starting the year, you know, we are very fresh, and we have to try to win a big tournament at the beginning of the year. So everybody wants to prepare very well this tournament. I think we are doing very well. We tried our best.

Q. You had very good form on hard courts the end of last year. Does that give you more confidence for the Australian Open this time?

JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: I think I played the whole year very good on hard courts, not only the end of the year or the middle. I just play very good on hard court when I have to play, and I feel very confidence on hard court, you know, as in clay court. So this moment it's like this.

End of FastScripts….

Posted by nana at 11:43 AM

SCHEDULE OF PLAY Day 8: Monday, 26 January 2004

Vodafone Arena 11:00 AM Start

1.Tatiana Golovin (FRA) vs. Lisa Raymond (USA)[25]
2.Silvia Farina Elia (ITA)[20] vs. Kim Clijsters (BEL)[2]
3. Andrei Pavel (ROM) vs. Juan Carlos Ferrero (ESP)[3]
------------------------
Just wanna say Thanks to Lily for the layout changes, I love it so much!

Posted by Unknown at 3:40 AM

TECHNIQUE How does Ferrero use his forehand? Find out in this step by step breakdown of JC game.

>> instructions

Posted by nana at 5:55 AM

ARTICLE Ferrero overcomes giant Johansson

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

MELBOURNE, Australia -- French Open champion Juan Carlos Ferrero toiled for four sets before overcoming Swedish giant Joachim Johansson in the third round of the Australian Open in Melbourne.

The world number three finished strongly after losing the third set in a tiebreaker to win 6-1 7-6 (7/4) 6-7 (5/7) 6-4.

Ferrero, who reached the quarter-finals here last year, will now play unseeded Romanian Andrei Pavel in the round of 16 on Monday.

Ferrero was impressed with Johansson's improvement since he saw him as a junior three years ago. "I see some good changes in him, the serve and a very good forehand, but maybe he has to improve mistakes on important points," Ferrero said.

Johansson made a welter of unforced errors, 52 to 17 and served up seven double-faults.

Ferrero said he was not troubled by forearm and back problems which surfaces in his last match with Italian Filippo Volandri.

Ferrero started strongly, dropping only one game but 21-year-old big-serving Johansson, who clocked a top speed of 225 kph (140mph), got more into the match and won the third set tiebreaker.

Ferrero broke Johansson's serve in the seventh game of the fourth set to go on and clinch the match in two hours 28 minutes.


PHOTOS Round 3



pic: forehand
pic: yell
pic: pumped
pic: backhand
pic: serve
pic: return
-- with watermarks --
pic: ball toss
pic: dashing to the net
pic: fist pump
pic: forehand
pic: backhand
pic: signing autographs

Posted by nana at 7:47 PM

COMMENTARY Provided by eurosport.com. JC defeated J. Johansson 6-1, 7-6(4), 6-7(5), 6-4 to advance to the 4th round where he will meet A. Pavel.

06:53 Vodafone Arena: Ferrero and Johansson out onto a packed court

06:59 Vodafone Arena: Ferrero opens up his match...

07:20 Vodafone Arena: Ferrero coasting through at 4-1... Johansson nervous to begin with finding his feet now, but you get the impression the third seed wants to get off court as soon as possible

07:22 Vodafone Arena: BREAK POINT FERRERO... standing three yards behind the baseline to receive, backhand to backhand first serve rally... Johansson nets... FERRERO 5-1

07:25 Vodafone Arena: DOUBLE SET POINT FERRERO... serving out to the Swede's backhand side... FIRST SET 6-1 in under 25 minutes

07:29 Vodafone Arena: Johansson holds serve for the first game of the second set... 1-0

07:39 Vodafone Arena: Ferrero holds serve, as the second set ambles along... the Spaniard content to wait for his chance 2-2

07:49 Vodafone Arena: Johansson far more comfortable now and showing Ferrero only a glimmer of hope to break in the second set... the nerves have subsided and the Swede is proving why he got to the third round... 4-3

07:57 Vodafone Arena: Ferrero being forced further and further back behind the baseline, as Johansson continues to kick serves high... 5-4 on serve

08:04 Vodafone Arena: Heading for a tie-break, Ferrero unable to break the Swede's serve... Johansson coming to the net on every deep return making life difficult...

08:06 Vodafone Arena: A breaker it is, Ferrero serves out for 6-6 for the loss of one point

08:08 Vodafone Arena: TIE-BREAK - on serve so far, 2-2; Johansson clocking 130mph... Ferrero hits long, 2-3; Ferrero misses again and as the pair change ends it's Johansson 4-2

08:11 Vodafone Arena: SET POINT FERRERO... Johansson bottles up and gives away the tie-break lead for the world number three to serve out the 46-minute set... SECOND SET 7-6... in control, pumped up!

08:16 Vodafone Arena: Ferrero seals a tense third set opener to on the second advantage point... 1-0

08:30 Vodafone Arena: Ferrero keeping his nose infront, in the third set, but finds it hard to break down the Johansson game... 3-2

08:38 Vodafone Arena: Johansson rewarded for his excellent play... a BREAK in the third set to take a 5-3 lead

08:47 Vodafone Arena: Ferrero back in the set, once again Johansson was unable to put away the third seed in the third set... FERRERO, unbelievably serves out for 6-5, raising his game at the crucial moment

08:51 Vodafone Arena: Johansson takes the set into a tie-break

08:51 Vodafone Arena: Johansson return winner for 1-0; the Swede ACES on serve 2-0; but follows up with a forehand error mid-court 1-2; Ferrero breaths a sigh of relief... the Spaniard serving

08:57 Vodafone Arena: Johansson with FOUR SET POINTS... Ferrero serves for 3-6... unreturnable; the Swede with his own chance now... first serve out, Ferrero return winner 6-4; Johansson hits a forehand out 6-5; Ferrero back on serve, first serve into the net, he takes his time, three bounces of the ball, Johnasson huge forehand doing the damage and the Swede takes the THIRD SET 7-6(5)

09:12 Vodafone Arena; DOUBLE BREAK POINT FERRERO... the Spainard lobs out after Johansson comes to the net... one more chance... the Swede taking his time on serve... ACE... DEUCE; Ferrero wanting to throw his racket but resists

09:14 Vodafone Arena: Ferrero pinned back by Johansson's huge forehands... the Swede with game point on serve... a drop volley, which Juan Carlos can not scramble up and it's 3-2

09:21 Vodafone Arena: Ferrero holds serve to regain control in the fourth set... experience will surely see him through this tricky encounter... Juan Carlos 4-3

09:31 Vodafone Arena: TRIPLE MATCH POINT FERRERO... Johansson returns out... Ferrero delighted... GAME SET MATCH FERRERO 6-1 7-6 6-7 6-4... Johansson will be proud with his display... one for the future? Wilander in the stands got to take some notes... Davis Cup selection perhaps?

MATCH STATISTICS

Johansson(SWE) Ferrero(ESP)

1st Serve% 91 of 131 = 69% 79 of 123 = 64%
Aces 19 14
Double Faults 7 3
Unforced Errors 51 17
Winning % on 1st Serve 63 of 91 = 69% 66 of 79 = 84%
Winning % on 2nd Serve 19 of 40 = 48% 22 of 44 = 50%
Winners (Including Service) 55 35
Break Point Conversions 1 of 4 = 25% 4 of 12 = 33%
Net Approaches 22 of 36 = 61% 9 of 12 = 75%
Total Points Won 117 137
Fastest Serve 225 KPH 196 KPH
Average 1st Serve Speed 195 KPH 176 KPH
Average 2nd Serve Speed 170 KPH 148 KPH

Posted by nana at 7:27 PM

ARTICLE
FanFest a feast for fans
by Luke Buttigieg
Friday, January 23, 2004


With thousands of visitors flocking to Melbourne Park for the Australian Open, one of the most popular attractions in the carnival atmosphere - besides the tennis itself - is the 'FanFest' that gives fans a chance to catch up with their heroes.

Star players are regular visitors to FanFest to allow children, teens and adults alike the opportunity to pick up an autograph, take a photo or even ask their heroes a question, while there are also plenty of other interactive games on offer.

Fans who go for a wander between Rod Laver and Vodafone Arenas can measure the speed of their serve - comparing themselves to the likes of heavy-hitters Andy Roddick, Mark Philippoussis and Venus Williams - as well as working on the rest of their game.

But judging by the queues of people lining up at the Sharpie Autograph Island each day when the leading players file in, as far as the fans of all ages are concerned, you simply can't beat meeting the leading lights.

And the players are only too happy to take some time out from their busy practice and playing schedules to give a bit back to the game, which Spaniard Juan Carlos Ferrero and Brazilian Gustavo Kuerten agree is important.

"It's a pleasure to come back here after the Davis Cup and I like every year to play here because there is wonderful weather and also we are very fresh to play this first Grand Slam, and the people here are very nice, so we like of course to play here," French Open champion Ferrero said.

"It's very important to do these kind of things because people like this are very happy and there are a lot of people who want autographs. It's very important to concentrate on the match and focus on the tournament, but sometimes you have to also do these things, too, so the people will be happy."

Three-time Roland Garros champion Kuerten said: "I think it is very important, especially in my situation. I've been around for a few years on the tour, I have experience and also depth with the game, and it has given me so much things.

"I think even at the end of my career I will still be trying to give more and more to the game, and still it won't be enough for everything I have received in my tennis life, so I think it's nice that you have the chance to get to know people a little bit better.

"You also see a lot of kids, I think that's the main thing for us to see the interest of the kids to our sport, and that gets tennis to grow more and more and here in Australia it's a wonderful place, because you see the people following you around and living tennis day by day."

Posted by Unknown at 3:28 AM

SCHEDULE OF PLAY Day 6: Saturday, 24 January

Vodafone Arena 11:00 AM Start

1. Bob Bryan (USA)[1] Mike Bryan (USA)[1] vs. Martin Garcia (ARG) Sebastian Prieto (ARG)
2. Dinara Safina (RUS) vs. Kim Clijsters (BEL)[2]
3. David Nalbandian (ARG)[8] vs. Wayne Ferreira (RSA)[31]
4. Joachim Johansson (SWE) vs. Juan Carlos Ferrero (ESP)[3]

Posted by nana at 5:57 PM

ARTICLE For Ferrero, not as easy as it seemed

The scoreboard might suggest Spanish star Juan Carlos Ferrero had a regulation straight-sets victory over Filippo Volandri yesterday. What it does not tell you is that Ferrero needed medical attention twice, lost his serve four times and admitted to having had a crisis of confidence in the lead-up to the Australian Open.

Ferrero won 6-4, 7-6 (7-3), 7-5 in little more than two hours but at times was outplayed by the young Italian, who passed the French Open champion regularly. Volandri has powerful groundstrokes, his backhand can be extraordinary, his forehand a little wild, but luckily for Ferrero, he found it difficult to play his shots consistently.

While Volandri was in a battle with his own groundstrokes, Ferrero was waging his own war with his body and his confidence. The 23-year-old showed his usual precision from the back of the court, but it seemed his biggest threat for a spot in the third round was himself.

After the fifth game of the first set, with games still on serve, Ferrero called for the trainer to treat a muscle spasm in his back. He had a similar injury last December while practising at home. It did not slow him down but later in the third set, while lunging for a volley, he fell heavily, breaking the fall with his left arm and causing it to hyper-extend.

From that point, it caused Ferrero trouble with his ball toss while serving and once the match was over, he went straight to the medical rooms and was given anti-inflammatory tablets by the doctor.

"Everything is OK . . . I don't feel pain now," he said after the match. But the No. 3 seed is taking no risks. He plans to practise at 11am today as normal, but should there be any discomfort, he will stop immediately and give himself the day off before playing Swede Joachim Johansson in the third round.

Ferrero considered not coming to Melbourne for the Open. After Australia beat Spain in last year's Davis Cup final, he had only 12 days off before the start of the new season. His preparation has not been good and a shock loss to local teenager Chris Guccione in Sydney further hampered things.

He said it would "not be normal" to allow one loss at the start of a season to ruin his confidence but he did hit the practice courts and is happy with his form there. "I am still working well and just trying to find a way to play well here."

Posted by nana at 11:50 AM

Thanks for posting this on the tagboard.

AUDIO CLIPS Two new audio clips (one in English and one in Spanish) of JC talking about his elbow injury. Hopefully they will release a transcript of his full interview later.

>> audio clip (in English)
>> audio clip (in Spanish)

JC: Everything is ok you know ... it's not the wrist it's here. I fell down and I do like this and you know... when I push the ball up when I do like this with the racquet I feel some pain. But I went to the doctor and he told me that today I had to take some anti-inflammitories and tomorrow we'll see how it's working but he thinks that everything will be ok.

Q: how does it feel now?

JC: I feel alright. If I like this it's ok. I do feel pain a little bit in the back because you know it's right there but a I had this in December when I was practicing in Spain and was doing like 2 days or 3 days so I think for the next match it will be alright.

Thanks so much Queenie for emailing this article ^^ Good to hear that JC will be 100% for his next match.

ARTICLE Ferrero feeling good

WORLD No.3 Juan Carlos Ferrero was confident that the arm and back injuries that troubled him during today's second-round win over Italian Filippo Vilandri would not hamper his Australian Open campaign.

Ferrero won a high-quality encounter 6-4 7-6 (7-3) 7-5 despite seeking assistance from the trainer for his back problem during the first set and also reinjuring his left forearm during the third set.

The reigning French Open champion originally injured his arm last month while practising in Spain.

“Everything is OK,” he said today.

“I went to the doctor and he said to take some anti-inflammatories and we'll see how it's working.

“ ... I think after tomorrow I will be 100 per cent.”

Ferrero had considered skipping the Open because of its proximity to last month's Davis Cup final, when he lost both singles matches to Lleyton Hewitt and Mark Philippoussis.

“But I had a lot of points to defend and I like the people and the courts here, so I thought 'why not play?'” said the Spaniard, who reached the quarter-finals at Melbourne Park last year.

He lost his first match of 2004 to young Australian Chris Guccione in Sydney last week but has looked much better in beating countryman Albert Montanes and Volandri in Melbourne without dropping a set.

Ferrero will play Swede Joachim Johansson in the third round.

Posted by nana at 4:43 AM

PHOTOS



pic: forehand
pic: return
pic: waving to crowd
pic: slice
pic: another serve
pic: ball toss
pic: pumped
pic: kick serve
pic: with trainer
pic: getting medical treatment
pic: checking elbow

-- with watermarks --
pic: backhand
pic: return
pic: volley
pic: serve
pic: serve 2
pic: chasing the ball

Posted by nana at 1:10 PM

ARTICLE Pained Ferrero through

A slightly bruised and battered Juan Carlos Ferrero survived two injury scares to battle past Italian Filippo Volandri 6-4 7-6 7-5 in the second round of the Australian Open on Thursday. The third-seeded Spaniard received painkillers and a rub-down from a trainer after he twisted his back sharply in the sixth game of the first set.

The French Open champion's injury woes continued in the third set when he fell and felt sharp pain in his left forearm.

While worrying at the time, Ferrero said the injuries were unlikely to affect his progress in the tournament.

"Everything is OK," 23-year-old Ferrero told reporters.

"I went to the doctor and he told me to take some anti-inflammatory tablets but he thinks it's going to be OK," he said.

Ferrero dropped his serve after receiving treatment for his back complaint but quickly broke back twice to secure the first set. Coping better with the heat than Volandri, Ferrero then took the second-set tiebreak 7-3.

But more pain awaited in the third set, which the gangly right-handed baseliner began by again dropping his serve.

Then in the fifth game of the final set he hurt his forearm when he lunged for a volley and again required treatment from a trainer, who strapped the injury to allow Ferrero to continue.

While he did not think he fell very heavily, Ferrero said he immediately felt pain in his forearm.

"I feel a lot of pain when I fell down," he said.

Brushing aside the pain and disruption to his rhythm, Ferrero immediately broke back to level the third set score at 3-3.

He then calmly closed out proceedings on his second match point on Volandri's serve, forcing the Italian into a wild backhand that flew wide.

Ferrero was very happy with his performance against a player he regards as a tough opponent despite Volandri's modest world ranking of 46.

"Today I take a lot of rhythm, there was a lot of long points and a lot of rallies. I was serving good," Ferrero said.

Ferrero also said he had considered not coming to Melbourne after a long, hectic year which was capped off by a draining loss to Australia in the Davis Cup final in Melbourne in November.

He said he had weighed up the benefits of skipping the opening grand slam tournament of the year in favour of resting but was glad he changed his mind and returned to Melbourne, where he reached the quarter-finals last year in his best previous performance.

Ferrero's next opponent is Sweden's Joachim Johansson.


MATCH STATISTICS

Volandri(ITA) Ferrero(ESP)

1st Serve % 70 of 114 = 61% 59 of 102 = 58%
Aces 2 2
Double Faults 7 6
Unforced Errors 53 34
Winning % on 1st Serve 44 of 70 = 63% 43 of 59 = 73%
Winning % on 2nd Serve 20 of 44 = 45% 22 of 43 = 51%
Winners (Including Service) 30 16
Break Point Conversions 4 of 5 = 80% 6 of 10 = 60%
Net Approaches 15 of 19 = 79% 14 of 21 = 67%
Total Points Won 101 115
Fastest Serve 187 KPH 191 KPH
Average 1st Serve Speed 165 KPH 175 KPH
Average 2nd Serve Speed 136 KPH 144 KPH

Posted by nana at 12:38 PM

AUDIO CLIP AO Radio has a short audio clip of JC's post match interview. Check it out here

JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: ... if you win a Grand Slam, you better player, for sure. You have experience to win it, you know. Is going to help you in everything, you know, in experience, in confidence. You play a lot of matches, you know, against the top players. Because if you win a Grand Slam, you have to win everybody, you know, the top players as well.

[...]

I smile when I finish the match, you know. I think for me, to be positive, to be concentrate, I have to be focused on my game, you know. I don't have to smile to somebody, say something. You know, it's difficult because you have to be concentrate.

Posted by nana at 8:26 AM

ORDER OF PLAY Day 4: Thursday, 22 January

Rod Laver Arena 11:00 AM Start

1. Filippo Volandri (ITA) vs. Juan Carlos Ferrero (ESP)[3]


UPDATE Despite a good start and a close 2nd set JC and his partner Guillermo Garcia-Lopez were unable to win their first round doubles match. Oh well, at least now JC can concentrate on singles ^^

Jonathan Erlich (ISR)[14] Andy Ram (ISR)[14] def. Juan Carlos Ferrero (ESP)
Guillermo Garcia-Lopez (ESP) 2-6, 6-4, 6-3

Posted by nana at 4:13 PM

Australian Open News

JC would also play double with Guilermo-Garcia Lopez from Spain. They will face Jonathan Erlich (ISR)/ Andy Ram (ISR) (14).
To see the draw please click here.

Order for Play
Court 10 10:00 AM Start

1. Maria Vento-Kabchi (VEN)[6] Angelique Widjaja (INA)[6] def. Jennifer Embry (USA)
Mashona Washington (USA) 6/3 6/2
2. Andre Sa (BRA) Flavio Saretta (BRA) def. Yves Allegro (SUI) Roger Federer (SUI) 6/4 6/4
3. Tina Krizan (SLO)[14] Katarina Srebotnik (SLO)[14] vs. Mervana Jugic-Salkic (BIH)
Darija Jurak (CRO)
4. Jonathan Erlich (ISR)[14] Andy Ram (ISR)[14] vs. Juan Carlos Ferrero (ESP)
Guillermo Garcia-Lopez (ESP)

Posted by Unknown at 3:51 AM

AUDIO Clip from JC's post match interview.

>> audio clip

JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: You know, to win a Grand Slam, it's a Grand Slam. Always will be a Grand Slam. But it's been if you win a Grand Slam, of course you're going to be in the top because it gives you a lot of points, like 1,000 points if you win a Grand Slam. And also if you win a Grand Slam, you better player, for sure. You have experience to win it, you know. Is going to help you in everything, you know, in experience, in confidence. You play a lot of matches, you know, against the top players. Because if you win a Grand Slam, you have to win everybody, you know, the top players as well. So it's pretty difficult.

If you did it, it's wonderful.

PHOTOS



new--> pic: toss racquet
new--> pic: another forehand
pic: backhand
pic: close up
pic: returning
pic: wave
pic: another return
pic: more action
pic: forehand
pic: fist pump
pic: serve
pic: return
pic: ball toss

-- with watermarks --
pic: serve
pic: backhand
pic: overhead shot
pic: another serve
pic: signing autographs
pic: return
pic: in action

Posted by nana at 7:30 PM

INTERVIEW Tuesday, 20 January, 2004

J.C. FERRERO/A. Montanes
6-0, 6-1, 6-1



Q. Can you talk about your training schedule over the winter, what part of your game did you work on?

JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: This past December?

Q. Yes.

JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: I didn't have so many time to work a lot, because I start the day 15th of December, after holidays. I just worked hard physically, some gym, you know, to take some power. Then I start to practice hard after one week very hard in the gym, I start to practice tennis, you know, day to day more hours.

Finally, you know, I practice normal.

Q. Do you spend as much time in the gym as you do on the court?

JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: Just the first week. Just the first week. And then I do mix.

Q. We talk about here how it's hard when one Australian plays another Australian. Is that now becoming the same for you guys, when you come up against each other, it's harder?

JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: Yeah, is hard. I mean, you don't like to play against a Spanish guy because, you know, if he's Spanish guy, of course, he's your friend, and is not easy to play as a friend.

But anyways, you have to play against everybody, you know. Sometimes we are a lot of Spanish players. Sometimes you have to play. So is the life. You can't do anything.

Q. But is that what this week is about, just getting the job done so you can get into week two?

JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: Yeah, yeah, of course. I will work in this way, you know. If I have to play, I have to play.

Q. Who were your heroes growing up? What did you learn from them? What do you think youngsters can learn from your game?

JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: What hero?

Q. Idols.

JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: No, I didn't have idols. I just love to watch the matches against Sampras and Agassi, you know, because when I was younger, he played a lot of finals, you know. I learn more from Agassi because I played like him, you know. I like to watch these match.

Q.Can tennis fans can learn anything from watching you?

JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: I hope so, you know. Maybe they can learn that I hit the ball very hard from the baseline, you know, and I try to finish the point in the net. I improve a lot on my serve. I think they can see this.

Q. We saw last year how important the Grand Slam wins are in terms of the overall rankings. Has that changed over the last couple of years? Do you win Grand Slams to win the Grand Slams, or do you win them for overall rankings and position?

JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: You know, to win a Grand Slam, it's a Grand Slam. Always will be a Grand Slam. But it's been if you win a Grand Slam, of course you're going to be in the top because it gives you a lot of points, like 1,000 points if you win a Grand Slam. And also if you win a Grand Slam, you better player, for sure. You have experience to win it, you know. Is going to help you in everything, you know, in experience, in confidence. You play a lot of matches, you know, against the top players. Because if you win a Grand Slam, you have to win everybody, you know, the top players as well. So it's pretty difficult.

If you did it, it's wonderful.

Q. Now that you've won one, you do feel that you've got the ability? You come into a Grand Slam expecting to win?

JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: Exactly. I come into a Grand Slam expecting I can, you know, win. If I win, I can do a great results here.

Q. You have a lot of friends in Thailand because after your tournament at Thailand. Will you come back to Thailand for the next tournament, Thailand Open?

JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: Thailand Open, I will see. I will see. I'm going to try to go again.

Q. Why do you not often smile at your crowd?

JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: I smile when I finish the match, you know. I think for me, to be positive, to be concentrate, I have to be focused on my game, you know. I don't have to smile to somebody, say something. You know, it's difficult because you have to be concentrate.

For me, if I smile to anyone or everybody, you know, it's difficult for me just to still concentrate. I take it this way.

Posted by nana at 7:16 PM

COMMENTARY Minute by minute commentary of JC's impressive 6-0, 6-1, 6-1 victory over Montanes provided by Eurosport.


06:58 Vodafone Arena: Ferrero straight into a 3-0 lead... excellent variation in his game, keeping a capacity crowd on the edge of their seats

07:04 Vodafone Arena: Ferrero cruising through the first set... Montanes has yet to get his name on the board... the former world number one leads 5-0

07:09 Vodafone Arena: 16 minutes it's taken for Ferrero to take the first set 6-0!

07:14 Vodafone Arena: It's difficult to see how Montanes, a 23-year-old is going to get on the scoreboard... Ferrero 1-0

07:19 Vodafone Arena: Ferrero showboating, the crowd bowing to his skills, Montanes slams his racket as he loses another game... FERRERO 3-0!

07:24 Vodafone Arena: Montanes gets his name on the board breaking Ferrero for 1-3! A huge cheer goes up... the Spaniard matching power with power

07:28 Vodafone Arena: Ferrero BREAKS Montanes for a 4-1 second set lead... Montanes trying to finish the points too early... his shoulders have slumped, many fans are leaving the arena...

07:32 Vodafone Arena: SECOND SET POINT for Ferrero, he takes it with a crashing forehand down the line... SECOND SET 6-1... 24 minutes in duration...

07:38 Vodafone Arena: Third seed Ferrero wraps up the first game of the third set... brilliant performance, a boring tennis match for the neutral

07:41 Vodafone Arena: Ferrero winning 85% of first serves in the deuce and advantage court... the Spaniard leads 2-1 third set

07:46 Vodafone Arena: 3-1 FERRERO! The world number three making the game look so easy... four aces in the match so far

07:53 Vodafone Arena: BREAK POINT FERRERO... ACE by Montanes to level for DEUCE...

07:54 Vodafone Arena: Another chance for Ferrero at 4-1 to break and then serve out for the match... Montanes again comes out with a deep first serve, making it difficult for Ferrero to return

07:56 Vodafone Arena: Ferrero has won 8 out of 19 break point chances

07:56 Vodafone Arena: The inevitable break of serve... Ferrero leads 5-1... Montanes in despair, at least he's got two games on the board...

07:58 Vodafone Arena: Ferrero short serve, Montanes hits a forehand out 15-0; good one-two, serve and crosscourt winner 30-0; return winner 30-15; ACE 40-15; ACE... GAME SET MATCH FERRERO 6-0 6-1 6-1... a convincing performance and the Spaniard will certainly be battling away late in the second week on this evening's display

08:02 Vodafone Arena: Ferrero heads off court signing dozens of autographs along the way to the players tunnel...

MATCH STATISTICS

Montanes(ESP) Ferrero(ESP)

1st Serve % 42 of 71 = 59% 32 of 55 = 58%
Aces 0 7
Double Faults 5 0
Unforced Errors 32 15
Winning % on 1st Serve 18 of 42 = 43% 27 of 32 = 84%
Winning % on 2nd Serve 9 of 29 = 31% 12 of 23 = 52%
Winners (Including Service) 8 19
Break Point Conversions 1 of 1 = 100% 9 of 20 = 45%
Net Approaches 4 of 7 = 57% 4 of 6 = 67%
Total Points Won 43 83
Fastest Serve 182 KPH 196 KPH
Average 1st Serve Speed 171 KPH 176 KPH
Average 2nd Serve Speed 146 KPH 141 KPH

Posted by nana at 5:12 PM