articles

original article from sohu.com – translated by kat
17 September 2005

Even though he has more supporters than Nadal, Ferrero lost the Spanish derby (semi final). At the after match interview Ferrero said although he has not confirmed his itinerary for next year, but Beijing has left him with a good impression so if it is possible, he will return next year.

Speaking of the semi final match against Nadal, Ferrero felt that Nadal was faster than him during the match. Although the match started off well, Nadal placed him under a lot of pressure later on. He did not take some chances and during both sets he was broken after it reached 4-4. Ferrero lost all four of his matches against Nadal this year, and he said that he haven’t played at his best level during all these matches. For example towards the end of today’s match he could not play according to his game plan. But he will continue to work on these deficiencies during practice.

Ferrero also said he will leave Beijing at about 11am on Sunday. He had good memories this week in Beijing and in his spare time, he bought many DVDs. Tomorrow is the traditional Chinese Mid-Autumn festival.When he heard the stories about mooncakes Ferrero nodded his head. Maybe he was thinking of buying some for his family and friends.

*Original article (in Chinese) can be found here*

original article from sohu.com – translated by kat
17 September 2005

Even though the organisers have arranged for Nadal to have his own private shower room, Nadal had never used it. According to some tournament volunteers, maybe it was because he felt too bored using his private room. Every time after practice or a match, he would go to the public shower room (shared with other players). Plus he also liked to talk to other players, although his English is not very good.

However another Spaniard, Ferrero’s habits are very different. Ferrero has high standards for the little things. Other players wouldn’t mind using the toiletries supplied by the hotel but Ferrero had never touched them. He only uses his own shampoo and shower gel brought from Spain. Plus he had rules about not giving autographs to staff after intervews which disappointed many people.

*Original article (in Chinese) can be found here*

original article from sina.com – translated by kat
16 September 2005
On the night of 16th September (Beijing time), JC won the quarter final match against Nalbandian 6-2 3-6 6-3 and is through to the semi final. He will possibly play against fellow Spaniard Rafael Nadal in the semi final.
At the after match press conference, Ferrero made these comments about the match. “I lost my two previous matches against Nalbandian. He is a very good player but I think it is normal for us to have a close match. We played at a similar level today so it was a great match. I am very happy to win and now have to prepare for the next match.”
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from Eurosport.com
30 November 2004
Spain Davis Cup captains Jordi Arrese, Juan Avendaño and José Perlas are counting on the 24-year old to perform at “La Cartuja”, even though the 2003 Roland Garros champion finished a season to forget 45 days ago.
After a 2004 marred by various ailments to his hips, knees, and shoulders, Ferrero hasn’t competed since the Madrid Masters which has raised concerns about his fitness and state of mind.
Spain’s coaches are doing whatever they can to raise up Ferrero’s confidence.
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from SportingLife.com
10 November 2004
Spain’s Juan Carlos Ferrero is aiming to end his disappointing season on a high by helping his country win the Davis Cup against the USA.
Ferrero has been named in the Spain team to contest this year’s final in Seville, along with Tommy Robredo, Carlos Moya and Rafael Nadal in what is an unchanged side to that which triumphed over France in the semi-finals.
Ferrero, a former French Open winner and a world number one for several weeks at the end of last season, has suffered a miserable campaign, which culminated in his second round exit at the Madrid Masters.
The Spaniard then opted out of last week’s tournament in Paris to prepare for the Davis Cup, even though those preparations have not been without their problems.
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from SportingLife.com
17 October 2004
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.
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