PHOTOS Pics from JC's second rd. match. Hope there's more to come ^^
pic: eyes on the ball
*new* pic: backhand
VALENCIA UPDATE Ferrero Fires Past Vacek
Top seed and defending champion Juan Carlos Ferrero lived up to the home crowd's expectations when he defeated Czech Jan Vacek 6-3, 7-5 to advance to the quarterfinals of the II Open de Tenis Comunidad Valenciana Thursday. Ferrero now has three quarterfinal appearances in five events this season, but is still looking for his first title since lifting the Valencia trophy in 2003.
In the next round the 24-year-old Spaniard takes on Croatian Mario Ancic, who found himself among the final eight after scoring a 7-5, 6-2 win over No. 8 seed Ruben Ramirez Hidalgo. This is the 20-year-old Monte Carlo resident's second quarterfinal effort of the season following his career-first appearance in an ATP final in Milan in February (l. to Antony Dupuis).
"It was a tough match, because Ruben is a clay court player. But I think I was playing very well," said Ancic after the win. "I was doing the things I needed to do, playing from the back but also looking to come in," continued the Croatian.
Ancic is looking for revenge against the Spaniard after having lost to him on two occasions in 2003. "I've lost twice against him. This is his home, and I know there will be lots of people on his side. No matter what, I will have to play a little better in the quarterfinals, but I'm feeling good."
AWARDS
JC was presented with the award for Best Spanish Player of 2003 by the Association of Tennis Journalists.
>> short article (in Spanish)
pic: eyes on the ball
*new* pic: backhand
VALENCIA UPDATE Ferrero Fires Past Vacek
Top seed and defending champion Juan Carlos Ferrero lived up to the home crowd's expectations when he defeated Czech Jan Vacek 6-3, 7-5 to advance to the quarterfinals of the II Open de Tenis Comunidad Valenciana Thursday. Ferrero now has three quarterfinal appearances in five events this season, but is still looking for his first title since lifting the Valencia trophy in 2003.
In the next round the 24-year-old Spaniard takes on Croatian Mario Ancic, who found himself among the final eight after scoring a 7-5, 6-2 win over No. 8 seed Ruben Ramirez Hidalgo. This is the 20-year-old Monte Carlo resident's second quarterfinal effort of the season following his career-first appearance in an ATP final in Milan in February (l. to Antony Dupuis).
"It was a tough match, because Ruben is a clay court player. But I think I was playing very well," said Ancic after the win. "I was doing the things I needed to do, playing from the back but also looking to come in," continued the Croatian.
Ancic is looking for revenge against the Spaniard after having lost to him on two occasions in 2003. "I've lost twice against him. This is his home, and I know there will be lots of people on his side. No matter what, I will have to play a little better in the quarterfinals, but I'm feeling good."
AWARDS
JC was presented with the award for Best Spanish Player of 2003 by the Association of Tennis Journalists.
>> short article (in Spanish)
