VALENCIA, Spain: Juan Carlos Ferrero’s singles career drew to an emotional end when he lost 7-5, 6-3 to fellow Spaniard and close friend Nicolas Almagro in the Valencia Open first round yesterday.
A former world number one who won the French Open in 2003 but was hampered by injuries throughout his career, Ferrero announced last month he would retire after playing his home event.
Sixth seed Almagro, 27, Ferrero’s junior by five years, had too much power and speed for his mentor in an entertaining match in which the pair exchanged smiles and jokes.
The younger man seemed to be suffering from a right shoulder problem late in the second set but shrugged off the injury and sealed victory on his first match point when the unseeded Ferrero netted a return.
The pair embraced at the net and the 32-year-old was given a rousing ovation by the crowd as he fought back tears before flinging his racket, shirt and various other personal items into the stands.
“It’s been a long time since I enjoyed myself so much on a tennis court,” said Ferrero who will join up with singles top seed David Ferrer in the doubles today.
“It was an honour to finish my career playing you, I think you are a great champion,” he told Almagro whose coaching staff he will join on a part-time basis next year.
“I simply want to thank everyone for all their support, not just this year but throughout all the years I have played here,” Ferrero told reporters. “It’s always been a very special tournament for me and this year even more so.”
Almagro paid tribute to his friend.
“Maybe it was the most bitter win of my career as a great tennis player is leaving us,” he said.
“I hope he’ll be with me a few weeks (on the tour) next year and I think we’ll have some fun. I still have a lot to learn from him.”
World number five Ferrer, who has already qualified for next month’s season-ending ATP Tour finals in London, battled past Belgian qualifier Olivier Rochus 7-5 7-5.
Ferrero turned professional in 1998 and won 16 titles including the Masters events in Monte Carlo and Rome. REUTERS
