Juan Carlos Ferrero set to retire at the Valencia Open 2012 – Tennis News
Former world number one, Juan Carlos Ferrero, will play his last tournament at the Valencia Open, an ATP (Association of Tennis Professionals) World Tour 500 series event held in Valencia, Spain.
The 2003 Roland Garros champion is scheduled to play his last tournament at the Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciencies. Regardless of suffering several injuries since past two years, he is still active on the ATP Tour. However, he stands outside the Top 100 at
the Rankings.
Carlos Ferrero stated in a press conference on Wednesday:
“The Valencia Open 500 will be my last tournament, it’s the best possible stage for me to retire. Because of injuries, I was not able to play a full season and it’s been a complicated year as I could see I didn’t have the same ambition after 14 years on
the tour. I am very excited about my new life and new projects. I will of course still be involved with tennis through the Valencia Open 500, the academy and my foundation. I will miss the competition tremendously. It will leave a void which will be difficult
to replace.”
Currently ranked 111th in the South African Airways ATP World Tour Rankings, Carlos Ferrero has drastic win-loss record of 5-11 this circuit. His last victory came at the Opening round of the French Open in May. After this, the Spaniard fell to
a three match losing streak including exiting to top seed Novak Djokovic in the opening round at the Wimbledon Championships.
However, the 32-year-old has enjoyed a successful career. He topped the ATP rankings in 2003 and bagged a Grand Slam title in French Open. Carlos Ferrero has grabbed 15 titles from 33 final appearances. His titles include Masters 1000 event in Rome and Monte-Carlo.
The Spanish veteran conquered atleast 67 matches in the 2003 circuit which was his career best. He made a final showdown at the US Open that year and became the first Spaniard to secure this spot since 1975.
One of his best achievements came in 2000 when he led his nation, Spain, to glory at the Davis Cup. The Spanish icon dominated in the two singles rubber against Patrick Rafter and Lleyton Hewitt to lead his nation win over Australia.
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