Saturday, October 30, 2004

UPDATE No surprise but JC has just officially been taken off the entry list for Paris. Little news to report =(

Just a remindar, please show your support and send in postcards for JC. The deadline is December 12th.

>> project details

Friday, October 29, 2004

NEWS While JC is taking a break from competition until the DC final he's helping charity. More specifically he's participating in a celebrity golf tournament in Valencia alongside moto racers Aspar, Faubel, Barbera, Debon and Gadea. The money raised will go to benefit rural African communities.

>> full article

Saturday, October 23, 2004

ATP INSIDER

IN MADRID:

-- > That same day, Real Madrid soccer stars Raul, Morientes and Salgado came to watch JUAN CARLOS FERRERO play in the night session. Over thirty tennis players went had previously gone to watch Real Madrid defeat Dynamo Kiev 1-0 in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday night. GUILLERMO CORIA, RAFAEL NADAL, HICHAM ARAZI and DOMINIK HRBATY all attended Real Madrid training sessions during the week.


-- > 2003 Masters Series Madrid winner JUAN CARLOS FERRERO, DAVID NALBANDIAN and PARADORN SRICHAPHAN joined Mercedes McLaren test driver Pedro de la Rosa in an Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren at the Jarama race track on Monday. "It was an incredible and unforgettable experience. A pure rush of adrenalin," said Ferrero after doing two laps with De la Rosa.


-- > Meanwhile on Tuesday, Spanish stars JUAN CARLOS FERRERO, ALEX CORRETJA and FERNANDO VERDASCO all converged on the INDESIT stand for a mass-autograph session.

[...]

>> full article

Thursday, October 21, 2004

INTERVIEW Ferrero: “I'm not at the level I usually play at”

Madrid, 20th October 2004 - Questions for Juan Carlos Ferrero, who lost today against Luis Horna by 6-3 and 6-1.

Q. Were you uncomfortable on the court with Horna? Are you not fit? Has there been an accident?

JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: Well, I changed the racquet, as you know. This is a racquet that hits the ball very hard. Here I've had a difficult time adapting to the altitude.

Depends on the day; sometimes I play better than others. Altitude is always a little problem. Today the third ball I missed, I started feeling uncomfortable and lost confidence. He has played normal, an average match. The change of racquet is the type of thing that has to be prepared for a little bit better.

Q. You haven't felt anything unusual during the match?

JCF: No, it's true. I'm feeling a hundred percent. My movements are fast, but altitude is there, and balls go fast.

Q. Why did you change racquets? Were you not feeling comfortable with the other one? Is it a marketing thing?

JCF: Davis Cup is far away still. I can still adapt to a new racquet. I was looking for a racquet I could control a little better, shorter than the Prince, in order to control a little better. I told you, the racquet, I had difficulties adapting to it.

Q. You won't get to the extreme of Safin, who signed with another brand and ended up playing with the old one, but changed the brand. You won't do it?

JCF: No, I won't.

Q. What's the next tournament you'll take part in? Paris?

JCF: The Davis Cup is the next one. I think I need to rest a couple weeks, 20 days maybe. Then 20 or 25 days of intensive training towards the Davis Cup.

Q. We were used to seeing you win. You're playing in the Davis Cup final, many other matches. Do you have confidence in yourself? It wasn't easy to win here. Things aren't as bad as they look, are they?

JCF: We're all human. Not every year can be great. If it was this way, we would all be top top. To be on the top, you need to get some Grand Slams, Masters Series and the best results in all of them. That's what I've been doing the last years, but not this one due to circumstances I think you all know.

The year has become harder and harder. So right now with the rest and the Davis Cup, I am trying not to face the problems I faced this year.

Q. Next year you won't have as many points to defend. Maybe that's a good aspect?

JUAN CARLOS FERRERO: Yeah, I won't have to defend many points. But that means I haven't been playing well this year. I would rather have to defend more points.

Q. Today Corretja, Costa, Feliciano have lost. What can you say to encourage the Spanish crowd?

JCF: This is a Masters Series, you know. Not only for the fact of playing at home, victory is guaranteed. It's difficult on these courts where things go really fast. Well, consolation for the crowd? What could I say? Some years are better than others. That's all. You need to support us when things go wrong, too. Even the crowd and the public have good and bad moments. Support is needed when things go wrong.

Q. Do you have a favorite?

JCF: I hope to see a Spaniard win the tournament like last year.

Q. You're used to reaching the finals, winning titles, playing the whole week. Do you think the problems that have prevented you from doing this this year have affected your play pace? What have you noticed during this year?

JCF: I'm not at the level I usually play at, that's for sure. Not to play many matches in a row does not help. Training is training. You can train well during the week, but then matches are another thing.

You need to be comfortable on the court. When you play one week and then during two weeks you don't play a match, you can tell. It affects your play. Sometimes you hit the ball without any sensation. That's a lack of confidence.


QUOTE JC: "Support is needed when things go wrong."
So send in those postcards and show your support!!! (details here)
^^

PHOTOS From AMS Madrid second round



pic: dejected
pic: ball toss
pic: serve
pic: overhead view
pic: wipe sweat
pic: same but a little different
pic: looking down

ARTICLE Defending champion Ferrero upset at Madrid Masters
By CIARAN GILES, Associated Press Writer
October 20, 2004


MADRID, Spain (AP) -- Defending champion Juan Carlos Ferrero made 37 unforced errors and was upset by Luis Horna of Peru 6-3, 6-1 Wednesday in the second round of the Madrid Masters.

It was the most lopsided loss since April for the 2003 French Open champion, who had a first-round bye because he's seeded sixth. Horna broke Ferrero's serve in the first game of each set and never looked ruffled, even when he twisted an ankle early in the second set.

Several other seeded players bowed out Wednesday, including double Olympic gold medalist Nicolas Massu, who lost to Ferrero in last year's final. No. 11-seeded Jiri Novak, No. 13 Rainer Schuettler, and No. 15 Fernando Gonzalez also exited.

"I've had good victories. I just need to string them together in the same week to have a good tournament," Horna said. "I know Juan Carlos is not at his best, so I tried not to let him gain too much confidence. And everything worked out well."

The Madrid Masters marked Ferrero's last chance to defend a title in a season in which he has been inhibited by back, ribs, and wrist injuries. On Wednesday he blamed his new racket.

"I played badly and Luis played regular," he said. "I'm not at my level. Not playing many games hasn't helped. You lack confidence when you don't win many games It takes time to adapt to a new racket. You have to be better prepared."

[...]

Wednesday, October 20, 2004

PHOTOS More promotional activities this time with American Express, Indesit and Aero Madrid



pic: shaking hands with some American Express guy
pic: with Verdasco and Corretja
pic: in flight simulator with Costa

- with watermarks -
pic: Aero Madrid
pic: with Costa again

ORDER OF PLAY

Wednesday 20 October 2004

Center Court - Starting at 7:30 PM
Juan Carlos FERRERO (ESP)vs Luis HORNA (PER)

PRESS RELEASE HEAD SIGNS TOP INTERNATIONAL PLAYER JUAN CARLOS FERRERO TO LONG-TERM PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT




HEAD announced during the TMS Tournament in Madrid the addition of two-time Grand Slam winner Juan Carlos Ferrero to its player roster. The worldwide, multi-year agreement includes HEAD tennis racquets, bags and accessories and Penn tennis balls.

As a part of the partnership, HEAD and Ferrero will start to collaborate on the development of a new tennis racquet concept and design. A prototype of the new racquet will be used by Ferrero to defend his title in Madrid at the Rocódromo Arena at Casa de Campo.

“HEAD is known throughout the industry for making some of the best tennis products in the world,” said Ferrero. “I’m proud to contribute to the development of their newest tennis racquet and look forward to representing the HEAD brand on the courts.”
The signing of Spanish star player Ferrero is another step in HEAD’s focus on the Spanish market. Current initiatives in Spain include the International HEAD Team Elite Cup held in Barcelona in September 2004, and HEAD’s long-term relationship with Spanish former ATP players Emilio Sanchez and Sergio Casal.

“Juan Carlos is one of the most respected professional players on tour and we welcome him to the HEAD family,” said Johan Eliasch, CEO of HEAD N.V. “Our new partnership with Juan Carlos will not only heighten our visibility in his home country, but also he will serve as a global vehicle to enhance the HEAD brand worldwide.”

Juan Carlos Ferrero is a 24-year-old Spanish phenom who turned professional in 1998. He was named ATP Newcomer of the Year in 1999 and has held 11 singles titles since then. In 2003 he matched the best finish of any Spanish player in the history of ATP rankings at number three.


Hmmm... when did JC suddenly win another Grand Slam?? LoL. Sad that the official site for HEAD can't even get his stats right...

Tuesday, October 19, 2004

NEWS A little section where JC talks about his new contract with HEAD.

Finalmente, Juan Carlos Ferrero, que ha firmado un contrato con la marca deportiva 'Head', espera que su nueva raqueta también le ayude a volver a estar entre los mejores. "Tengo más control con ella y me ayuda en el saque para golpear con menos esfuerzo. Además, me permite pegar con más potencia", aclaró.

-ROUGH TRANSLATION-

Finally, Juan Carlos Ferrero, who has signed a contract with the sport mark 'Head' hopes that the new racquet will help him return to the top.

"I have more control and I can serve more easily, with less effort. In addition, it allows me to hit with more power."

PICTURES JC doing some promotional activities for Mercedes and his new sponser HEAD. Also JC will face Luis Horna in the second round.



pic: switching to HEAD
pic: JC, Nalbandian and a Mercedes
pic: JC, Nalbandian again... different angle
pic: JC, Santana and Rafa
pic: training in the gym
pic: more training
pic: JC posing with car

Thanks for the picture link Vanessa ^^

Monday, October 18, 2004

INTERVIEW

PS: This interview has been posted before but this one is the properly translated version. Thanks Ana for the translation ^_^

The Valencian defends his title obtained in Madrid last year

Ferrero: "I include myself among the favorites even though I'm not number 1"

At this same time, but in 2003, Juan Carlos Ferrero was at the Masters Series of Madrid showing off his number one status in the ATP entry ranking. He reaffirmed his position as the top seed by winning his first title on indoor hard court. Today, the Valencian tennis player comes to the event after a year marked by misfortunes in the form of illnesses, which have not yet allowed him to show his best tennis this year. 'Juanquí,' nevertheless, is not resigning to anything in the event that begins this Monday.

How does Ferrero arrive to defend his crown in Madrid?
At this point I feel very well, as much physically as tennis wise. I remember that last year I came with some problems in my heel and later things worked out.

Has there been a before and after since the Davis Cup semifinals against France?
I would say yes. In Alicante, against the Frenchman Santoro, I felt good sensations again on court, something that has not happened to me since the Australian Open.

Who are the players with the most options for victory in Madrid?
The candidates are some of the same as always. I put myself among the favorites too because I feel like I have a chance to win the title again. Besides, I don't think it matters, when it comes to winning the title, that I was number 1 seed last year and now 10. Sooner or later, you have to beat all the players who are in your draw.

Does it benefit you to come to the tournament as a lower seed, without the pressure of being number one?
I always try to separate myself from the pressure that comes from the outside and focus on my game.

Last year you ended the myth that it would be difficult for a Spanish tennis player to win in Madrid due to the altitude, 640 meters, of the capital of Spain. What do you do to adapt yourself to the altitude?
There isn't really anything special. I think that you should go to the tournament three or four days before to adapt yourself to the new conditions. Everything goes a little quicker and movement is important. Although, in my case, I don’t need it because I live and train in Villena, which has the same altitude as Madrid.

One is left without words when one sees Federer's numbers in 2004, with 10 titles, among them three Grand Slams?
The Swiss is surprising everyone on tour with how consistent he is. It is incredible how he wins tournaments. It's been long time since there has been such a solid number one.

You, with only 24 years of age, have the chance in Seville against the United States to win a second Davis Cup. The rest of members of the Spanish team aspire for their first. Other great players like Patrick Rafter retired without ever touching the Davis Cup.
It's true that in Barcelona at the Palau Sant Jordi I was only 20 years old and I wasn't able to value what was accomplished as it deserved to be. Later, with time, I was able to realize that we had achieved something very important, that it is not on everyone's record. Those are things that you learn to appreciate throughout the course of your career.

Would a victory in Davis Cup change the overall result of the season?
It is clear that winning the Davis Cup would turn a bad year into a very good one.

The handicap of playing Davis Cup is that your calendar gets extended until the month of December.
I have thought about it already and I will rest a few days after the Paris Masters Series, before completely dedicating myself to preparing for the final against the United States on clay.

PHOTOS Pictures of JC training




-with watermarks-

pic: forehand
pic: sticking out tongue
pic: another forehand
pic: practicing
pic: coach looking on
pic: resting with Tommy

Will investigate the mysterious change in racquets (Prince --> HEAD). Could be only for practice *shrug* Maybe that's what he was talking to Marat about during the China Open... ^^

DRAW The draw for Madird is out and again JC has it tough. He has a BYE in the first round and faces the winner of Horna v. Arazi in the second. Some notable players in his half: Safin, Agassi and Gonzalez.

>> full draw

ARTICLE FERRERO LOOKING FOR TONIC

Reigning champion Juan Carlos Ferrero is hoping to put a disappointing season behind him by retaining his crown at the Madrid Tennis Masters.

Ferrero won last year's final by defeating Chile's Nicolas Massu in straight sets - a result that took him to number one in the ATP world rankings.

The last 12 months have not been kind to the Spaniard and a combination of injuries, illness and loss of form have seen him drop to 13th in the list.

However, he will be hoping that the Madrid crowd can help him as they did last year and that he can take advantage of a slightly weaker line-up in the Madrid Masters to recapture former glory.

"I am feeling good, both at a physical level and also in terms of my tennis. I remember that last year I came here with slight problems in my heels and things worked out," Ferrero said.

"The main opponents are going to be the same as always and it doesn't matter that this time I am seeded lower. If you want to win, you always have to beat the best," he said.

The indoor hard court does not especially favour Ferrero's game, which like so many Spaniards is best suited to slower beaten clay.

[...]

>> full article

Sunday, October 17, 2004

ANOTHER INTERVIEW "TO BE IN HOUSTON I MUST WIN HERE"

How it arrives physically to defend its title?
Very well. I have well been training me, very hard, and I feel to the one hundred percent. Everything surpassed.

More than 400 people they have attended its training with Nadal, have acclaimed to him more than to Agassi... What feels?
Gratefulness. For me it is a pride that people to me continue valuing and respecting after a year that has not been good.

Manolo Santana considers him the favorite...
That also is a pride.

The losses of Federer and Roddick will affect the match?
Here they are the best ones of the world. They do not come because the year is long, very are tired, the match is far from their house and, in addition, they do not need the points because they are already classified for the Masters de Houston.

You still have possibilities of qualifying?
I would have to win here and in Paris.

That ballkids is models can distract the tennis players?
In theory it would not have. In theory.

>> original (in Spanish)

Another short interview. Again sorry it's straight from Babelfish. Didn't know JC still has the chance to qualify for Houston! 0_0

INTERVIEW Ferrero: "I include myself between the favorites although it is not number 1"

By these same dates, but in 2003, Juan Carlos Ferrero its condition of number one in the list of entrances ATP walked in the Masters Series of Madrid. Its condition of first head of series in the picture reaffirmed it with its first title in indoor and height. Today, the Valencian tennis player goes to the event after a year marked by misfortunes in form of diseases, that have not allowed him to release his palmarés in the present campaign. ` Juanquí, nevertheless, does not resign to anything in the event that begins east Monday.

How arrives Ferrero at the defense from the crown from Madrid?
At this point I feel very well, as much at physical level as of tennis. Memory that the last year I went hairdo of the heel and soon left the things.

Ha there are been before and after the semifinals of Glass Davis before France?
I would say yes that. In Alicante, before the Santoro French, I again felt good sensations in the track, something that did not happen to me from the Open of Australia ".

Who are the players with more options to the victory in Madrid?
The candidates are a little those of always. I also put within the favorites because I feel that I have options to repeat the title. In addition, he does not have anything to outside do for the final result that in 2003 the series head number 1 and now the 10. Sooner or later, you must gain all the players who are in the picture ".

The benefits to go to the match like one of the covered ones, without the poster of number one?
I always try to separate from the pressure that comes outside from centering to me in mine.

You finished the year last with the myth of which it would be difficult that a Spanish tennis player won in Madrid by the 640 meters of height of the capital of Spain. Co'mo is made to develop in altitude?
There is nothing no special either. I believe that she is due to go to the match three or four days before to adapt to the new conditions. Everything goes a little more express and is important mobility. Although, in my case, I do not need because alive and training in Villena, that has the same height of Madrid.

One remains without words when it sees the numbers of Federer in 2004, with 10 titles, among them three ` Grand Slam'?
The Swiss is surprising all the circuit by his regularity. It is incredible how he gains the matches. A long time ago was not a so solid number one.

You, with only 24 years, he chooses in Seville before the United States to the second Ensaladera. The rest of members of the Spanish equipment aspires to first. Other great ones as Patrick Rafter retired without touching to the Glass Davis.
It is truth that in the Palau Sant Jordi of Barcelona only was 20 years old and I did not know to value in his measured joust the obtained thing. Soon, with time, I occurred to account of that we had obtained something very important, that he is not in palmarés worldwide. They are things that one is appreciating in the course of its race.

The triumph in the competition of ` will poncherá of silver changes the personal balance of the present exercise?
It is clear that the Davis Cup would turn a bad year quite good.

Hándicap to choose Davis is that its calendar is extended until the month of December.
I have thought it and already I will rest days after the Masters Series of Paris, before preparing to top the end against the United States on clay.

>> original (in Spanish)


Sorry I don't have time to smooth over the translation (this is straight from Babelfish) but it's still a nice interview. Best of luck to JC in Madrid and for the rest of the year ^^

Saturday, October 16, 2004

PROJECT: Postcards for JC

After a rather heartbreaking year plagued with illness and injuries wouldn't you like to give JC some words of encouragement (and maybe a hug ), tell him that his future is still bright and wish him more luck in 2005?? If so then this is the project for you!

We are collecting postcards from JC fans around the world to be compiled in an album to be presented to him during the 2005 Australian Open. This is the perfect opportunity for all fans to write to JC and show him our support.

--------

SUBMISSIONS:

1. Postcards, cards, letters, poems, artwork etc. Be creative. Just remember that it MUST BE ABLE TO FIT inside a pocket with the dimensions: 4.25in x 6in = approx. 10.7cm x 15.2cm. If it doesn't fit I'll either have to cut it or leave it out entirely.
[NOTE: Pockets are clear on both sides]

2. Mail your submissions in a separate envelope to:

NANA
P.O. BOX 7943
Ventura, CA 93006
USA


3. DEADLINE: December 12th (Sunday). Don't procrastinate. I must have your cards on this day at the latest! This way I can ship it over to AUS before the Christmas rush and have it there in time for the Australian Open.

4. You can send in 2 submissions if you like, each occupying their own separate pocket.

>> more information

Friday, October 08, 2004

PHOTO FROM ATP INSIDER On Wednesday, Spanish stars JUAN CARLOS FERRERO and DAVID FERRER were received at the Moet & Chandon stand.

Ferrero was voted the most fashionable player at the tournament while Ferrer was tabbed as the most personable. The players posed for photos and were each given magnum bottles of Moet & Chandon champagne.

pic: JC looking very fashionable indeed ^^

PHOTO



WHAT THE PLAYERS SAID

Ferrer: "I didn't expect to beat him today, I'm really surprised and very happy about this result. I was pleased beforehand to be on centre court playing against him but I never expected to defeat him playing so solidly.

"It was the first time I was playing against him, he's always been like a model to me and defeating him is definitely a very special moment. I am feeling a little bit tired at the moment, it was a battle as Juan Carlos doesn't give you a chance, you need to be present on every point, but tomorrow I will be doing much better."


Ferrero: "I started the match well but he raised his game in the second and started to play better in the third. Every loss is disappointing, but this one even more so, as I felt good coming into the tournament and also after having won my first match.

ARTICLE Ferrer Upsets Ferrero in Lyon

LYON (Reuters) - Third seed Juan Carlos Ferrero suffered a shock defeat at the hands of fellow Spaniard David Ferrer in the second round of the Lyon Grand Prix Thursday.

Ferrer, ranked 46th in the world, had to come back from a set down to beat the former French Open champion 3-6, 7-5, 6-3 in two hours and five minutes at the 791,750 euro ($973,900) tournament.

Ferrero cruised through the first set but lost his rhythm at 5-5 in the second, allowing Ferrer to grab six games in a row to lead 4-0 in the third. The 2003 winner at Roland Garros came back to 5-3 only to concede the match on his serve.

Ferrer will face Jonas Bjorkman in the quarterfinals on Friday.

[...]

Thursday, October 07, 2004

ORDER OF PLAY

Thursday, 7 October

Center court, starting at 12h00
Arnold (Arg)/Massu (Chi) c. Cermak/Friedl (Rtc)

followed by:
Calleri (Arg) c. Youznhy (Rus)

Not before 15h45
Ferrero (Esp) c. Ferrer (Esp)

Wednesday, October 06, 2004

POSTER Looks like AMS Madrid is following in the footsteps of AO 2004 as far as promotion. Going the 'superhero' route, which I find quite hilarious =P



>> more posters (Safin, Federer, Moya, Roddick)

BTW shouldn't Safin be the one throwing the racquet... not Federer??

ARTICLE Massu and Robredo Fall at First Hurdle; Ferrero Wins

[...]
Juan Carlos Ferrero scored a 6-3, 7-6(4) win over Armenian Sargis Sargsian to become only one of two seeds (Spadea), to progress to the second round. The Spaniard improved to 4-0 lifetime against Sargsian and will countryman David Ferrer on Thursday for a spot in the quarterfinals.


WHAT THE PLAYERS SAID


Ferrero: “I think it was a good match. I’ve worked a lot on my physique in the last few days to try and be quick on these courts. We have an indoor court in my academy at home and I’ve been practicing hard. The surface is a bit different here but it’s not too fast and I feel comfortable on it. Last year I played well on this surface, winning in Madrid. It’s been a tough year but I’m very motivated to start playing well again.”

On Ferrer next: “He hits very hard. He beat Sluiter in straight sets in the first round, so he has to be playing well on this surface.”


Ferrer: [...] Hopefully Ferrero will win later and then I will play him in the next round. I’ve never played him so it would be a dream come true.”

PHOTOS JC defeated Sargsian 63 76(4) to advance to the second round. His next opponent will be fellow Spaniard Ferrer.

pic: ball toss
pic: eyeing ball
pic: forehand
pic: chasing down a ball

Tuesday, October 05, 2004

ORDER OF PLAY

COURT CENTRAL
Matches starting at 12h00
T. Robredo vs R. Soderling
followed by
M. Mirnyi vs M. Ancic

not before 16h00 :
N. Massu vs A. Calleri

not before 18h15
R. Stepanek vs P.H. Mathieu

not before 18h00 20h00
J.C. Ferrero vs S. Sargsian

Ok, a little confused with the Stepanek v. Mathieu match starting 'not before 18h15' while having the JC match afterwards but not starting 'before 18h00'. Anyways best of luck to JC!! ^^

Sunday, October 03, 2004

DRAW The draw for Lyon has been made. JC faces Sargsian in the first round. Some notable players in his half: (Robo) Massu, Youzhny, Ancic and Mathieu. Depending on how he's re-adjusted to the hard courts he should have no problem up until the quarters (hopefully). Good luck!

>> full draw

Friday, October 01, 2004

ATP INSIDER

->> – FERRERO HONORED BY SPAIN'S KING … JUAN CARLOS FERRERO received Spain's 2003 'National Sportsman of the Year' award on Thursday, the highest sporting accolade awarded by the Spanish government. Ferrero went to Madrid on Thursday and was presented with the prestigious award by King Juan Carlos. Other award-winners were Formula 1 racing driver Fernando Alonso who claimed the 'Rookie of the Year' award while Real Madrid superstar Ronaldo received the 'Iberian-American Sportsman of the Year' award. The awards are held on an annual basis.

PHOTOS & VIDEO JC received a trophy and medal for Player of the Year 2003 from the Premio don Felipe de Borbón. The video shows JC being presented with a trophy from King Juan Carlos and talking to the media about the upcoming DC final.

video (ADSL) || video (modem)



pic: having a chat with Ronaldo
pic: posing with Ronaldo
pic: with Ronaldo again
pic: talking to the press
pic: carrying trophy
pic: don't drop it

** new pics and video added