Juan Carlos Ferrero || Juanqui.net || A Juan Carlos Ferrero website » Beijing

Ferrero “deceived”, enjoying afternoon tea

kat — Mon, 19 Sep 2005 07:46:45 +0000

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

Yesterday afternnon Ferrero was at the hotel restaurant enjoying “coffee time”. (ed: I’m guessing this would be like afternoon tea time or similar) Maybe it was because he reached the semi finals he was in a good mood and allowed the journalist to approach and chat with him. On the one hand Ferrero was drinking his coffee, and on the other he was reading a thick novel. When the journalist was curious to know what that book is, Ferrero politely turned it over for the journalist to see. It was another bestselling novel by the “Da Vinci Code” author Dan Brown – “Deception Point”. When Ferrero realised the journalist also knows Dan Brown, he seemed very happy. But maybe he was too intrigued by the storyline he quickly went back to reading the novel.

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

Bought many DVDs during this trip, Ferrero eager to return next year

kat — Sun, 18 Sep 2005 07:44:30 +0000

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*

Nadal likes to use public shower rooms, Ferrero only uses his own toiletries

kat — Sat, 17 Sep 2005 13:48:37 +0000

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*

Ferrero embarrassed – faced with questions about girls, confident about beating Nadal

kat — Sat, 17 Sep 2005 07:50:30 +0000

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.”
In today’s match the fans were also very passionate. It seems Ferrero had more female fans. About the female fans, he said, “this… I don’t know. I don’t know why. But I do have many fans in China. I have very happy that they are here to support me. Maybe it’s because I play here every year so they tend to recognize me!”

After Ferrero reached the semis, his next opponent will either be Nadal or Wessels. Based on potential, Nadal has a better chance of reaching the semis. Ferrero has played against Nadal three times this year and lost all three matches on clay. When asked about the possibility of meeting his ‘nemesis’ Ferrero said, “Yes I lost my last three matches on clay against Nadal. He is a very good player and is always very confident when he is on court. But I am full of confidence in our possible fourth meeting. If I will be playing against him tomorrow, on hard courts it will be difficult for both of us but we both have a chance of winning. I will try my best and will probably have to play better than my previous matches.”

As the 2005 season draws to a close Ferrero was asked to compare this season with the last. He said, “I cannot compare with last year. This is because I did not play for 7 months. At that time I was injured. At the start of 2005 I had to begin with a ranking of 98! It’s just like starting out to be a professional player all over again. But I have performed quite well this season and I am happy about it. Now my ranking is getting closer to the top 10.”

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

The trip to Beijing is a chance / I am friends with my opponents

kat — Tue, 14 Sep 2004 04:12:57 +0000

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.
JC’s stay at Beijing had been carefully planned by the China Open officials. He’s staying at a special suite at the Shangri-La, where they have great food. JC is enjoying it all, “everything is great. I was only yearning for a hot shower but you guys have been great to me. The 1st night in Beijing was very good.”

Already adapted to Chinese courts
JC started practicising on the day he arrived. For “clay court specialist” JC, it is not unusual to take notice of court conditions. This is because if the courts are fast, it would not be advantageous to clay courters. After practicising a bit with Garcia-Lopez, JC was happy with the court conditions.

As a professional tennis player JC knew a bit about the materials that the courts were made of. “Your centre court does not have many layers of rubber (?), so the court is not very fast, but not slow. The bounce is good. Even though this is different to the courts in US Open, this is a very good court.”

Because his old friend Moya was still recovering from jetlag, JC had been practicising with Garcia-Lopez for the past couple of days. JC had a lot of praise for this Spanish youngster, ranked 116 in the world. “We have not known each other for very long, but I believe he is very talented. Very soon the world will know his name.” JC really has faith in his compatriot, and said to the reporter, if you want an interview with Garcia-Lopez, JC can arrange this.

My opponents are also my friends
Even though this is his 1st time in Beijing, JC does not feel like a stranger here. “There are many Spanish speaking players in this tournament, Moya is an old friend, also Nalbandian, even my friend Garcia-Lopez is here. The advantage of having friends here is that it will be easy to find hitting partners.” JC said. When he is with friends this “gentleman of tennis” will not be quiet anymore. “The thing I like the most is spending time with friends. When US Open ended I went back to Madrid to spend time with friends. It was a very good way to relax.”

But ultimately his friends can also be his opponents. JC said, “Every Spanish player is a good friend of mine. Maybe it’s because we practice together often we know a lot about each other. So winning/losing in matches is very normal. Moya & I… whoever can play best on the day has the chance to win.”

My father brought me to tennis
JC didn’t want to talk much about his results. But when talking about how there were many top Spanish players, he felt very proud of this. He is also very grateful to his father, who brought him to the tennis world. “Do you know why there are many top Spanish players? It is because in Spain, many likes to play tennis. My father played pretty well too. Even though we didn’t have a tennis court at home, my father would take me to the public courts. He said I was very talented. He also said I could play very well by the time I was 7 years old. Then I went to a tennis school for 3 years, and started playing on the junior tour.” Then JC continued with pride, “I have checked this, at the school where i have graduated, no other students have achieved what I have achieved. I was the only success story out of all those students. It is quite unbelievable.”

JC had some advice for Chinese players, “Every year you will gain experience, then you will feel more comfortable. You will know how to handle difficult situations and win points. If you can do this, you can relax when you are on court. I think in this condition you are at your best for the match.”

Will holiday in Madrid when the season finishes
When summing up his results this year (especially his results on hard courts), JC felt quite happy about it. “I played pretty well this year on hard courts, hopefully I can improve more next year.” After China Open, JC will prepare for Davis Cup and also the Masters Series events. The season will end in December. That might seem far away, because when we asked JC how he wil use this time, he thought for a long time. Then he smiled and said, “I haven’t thought about it! I guess I will holiday in Madrid.”

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

JC swamped with fans watching practice

kat — Tue, 14 Sep 2004 04:09:48 +0000

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.
During the 1st part of practice JC didn’t react much to the fan’s cheering and clapping. He was concentrating on hitting shots with his hitting partner, and also having a few words with his coach on the side. After 20mins of warmup, JC rested on the side of the court. At this time, on the western part of the stands, there were fans wearing red T-shirts which spells out F-E-R-R-E-R-O standing in a row, waving the Spanish flag and screamed “JUAN CARLOS!” JC surely would’ve been moved by the gesture, but he didn’t do anything to show it. When the 2nd part of practice started, JC seems to be more relaxed and more at ease with all the fans there. When a stray ball ended up on the stands, fans (mainly female) started screaming. It only ended when a volunteer picked up the ball. JC also looked relieved at the person who picked up the ball.

Unknowingly, the lights around the court were turned on. But JC kept going with his volleys, smashes, and practicising serves. After every great shot, the fans clapped, coupled with girls screaming. Some fans who got in the courts quietly were hoping to get his autograph.

When JC was warming down (stretching), fans started screaming “SAFIN! SAFIN!” JC got up and said hi to Marat and they chatted for a bit. As JC packed up his gear and headed towards the exit, there were already heaps of fans there waiting.

With the help of security JC was escorted through another exit, but some smart fans still sneaked in and got their autograph. Those who didn’t get it ran outside for a 2nd chance. Then something interesting happened. A group of fans gathered outisde the southern exit and then more and more of them gathered. When JC finally got into a car, a girl’s crying became clear, the girl said…”I’ve been waiting for him for over 2 hours… and I finally got his autograph!”

JC said the court conditions in Beijing are quite good. The lights at night are just right but he’s surprised by the passionate fans.

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