articles

from Equelite.com
15 October 2004

This past week, Equelite was graced once more by the presence of the beautiful reigning Wimbledon champion, Maria Sharapova. Besides the personal friendship that the lovely Russian has with Juan Carlos Ferrero, she was so impressed with the extensive installations in the tranquil countryside in her first visit, that the academy has become for her her “house in Europe”.

This opinion was shared by her new coach, ex-ATP tour player, Michael Joyce. He was equally impressed by the installations and the quiet setting. Yuri, Maria’s father, a fan of hiking, could also be seen enjoying the surroundings.

Throughout her stay, Maria was able to combine her rigorous training with moments of relax, almost like a regular teenager, like a night out to the movies. The Russian champion was absolutely graceful and charming to all she met, making her superpopular and a welcome guest always. All at Equelite wish her sincerely the best in her next tournaments and in the Porsche Race to the Championships.

from Eurosport.com
7 October 2004

Spain face the United States from December 3 to 5 in Seville and Ferrero’s place in the starting line-up is far from guaranteed.

By bowing out in the second round, the former world number one continues on an alarming lacklustre run less than two months ahead of the Davis Cup final. The 23-year old must first defend his Madrid Masters title in less than two weeks.

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 quarter-finals on Friday.

original article from sina.com – translated by kat
13 September 2004
Because of the China Open, I had the chance to meet JC. JC is a quiet person which earned him the title of “gentleman of tennis” (?) But once we started chatting he is quite easygoing. He can passionately talk to you about other (older) spanish players while also lovingly miss his girlfriend in Spain. When we talked about this year’s US Open, he was rather quiet, but he said this with conviction, “Maybe this trip to Beijing will give me a chance.”
First night in Beijing was pretty good
When I met JC yesterday he looked refreshed, clearly he had been cleared of jetlag. “I slept very well yesterday, almost 10 hours. I have recovered now. I guess I’ve gotten used to the life of constant travelling.” JC said.
(more…)

original article from ynet.com – translated by kat
13 September 2004
The reporter was waiting for JC in court 3 yesterday (following the practice schedule given by the China Open officials), only to find out his practice had been moved to centre court.
Yesterday afternoon at 5pm, JC appeared on centre court. On the opposite side there were fans screaming “JUAN CARLOS!” and then fans who gathered outside the players lounge also screamed “FERRERO!” in return. (co-ordinated ladies!) Within moments, the area outside the players lounge were swamped with fans and it was extremely difficult for JC to get out even when protected by security.
(more…)

from Reuters by Simon Cambers
3 September 2004
NEW YORK, Sept 3 (Reuters) – An injured Juan Carlos Ferrero suffered his third successive early exit from a grand slam on Friday when he was beaten 7-6 4-6 6-7 6-2 6-3 in the second round of the U.S. Open by Austria’s Stefan Koubek.
Last year’s losing finalist struggled with an adductor injury from the end of the third set and despite battling bravely, Ferrero was powerless to stop Koubek from reaching the third round at Flushing Meadows for the first time.
(more…)

from ChannelNewsAsia.com
3 September 2004
NEW YORK : Spain’s Juan Carlos Ferrero, last year’s runner-up, was upset by Austria’s Stefan Koubek 7-6 (7/2), 4-6, 6-7 (6/8), 6-2, 6-3 in the second round of the 17.8 million dollar US Open.
This was the third match in the past couple of months between them, with the 27-year-old Koubek now having won two of those.
Ferrero, the 2003 Roland Garros champion, was playing in the US Open for the sixth straight year. Ferrero has been hobbled by injuries and illness after a stellar season last year.
(more…)