Ferrero Retires From Tour In Valencia

Written by: Staff on 24th October 2012

Ferrero Retires From Tour In Valencia

epa03443991 Spanish tennis player Juan Carlos Ferrero reacts after the last individual match of his professional 14-year-career against his compatriot Nicolas Almagro at Valencia's tennis tournament in Valencia, eastern Spain, 23 October 2012. Almagro won 7-5 and 6-3. EPA/MANUEL BRUQUE |

Former No. 1 and French Open champion Juan Carlos Ferrero choked back the tears as he retired at his home event in Valencia , joining Andy Roddick and Ivan Ljubicic in pulling the plug on their careers in 2012.

The Spaniard, 32, who lost the US Open final to Roddick in 2003 three months after winning in Paris, went out in the Valencia first round to good friend and compatriot Nicolas Almagro.

“It’s been a long time since I enjoyed myself so much on a tennis court,” said Ferrero, who owns a tennis academy and a hotel in the area. He is also expected to work with Almagro’s coaches as well in 2013.

“I want to thank everyone for all their support, not just this year but throughout all the years I have played here,” said the emotional Ferrero. “This has always been a very special tournament for me – this year even more so.”

Ferrero ended his ATP run after 13 years and 16 titles. His last title was earned on his favored clay in Stuttgart in 2011. Ferrero also paid tribute to his rivals over a career, including current No. 1 Roger Federer, “the only tennis player who has made me feel inferior.”

©Daily Tennis News Wire

Topics: almagro, Juan Carlos Ferrero, Sports, Tennis News, valencia open 500