Ferrero Says 'Adios' to Tennis at Valencia

Spain's Juan Carlos Ferrero concluded a stellar career today at the Valencia Open that included reaching No. 1 in the world and winning the French Open in 2003.

By Erik Gudris

(October 23, 2012) -- Playing in front of crowd full of devoted Spanish supporters, veteran Juan Carlos Ferrero played his final professional singles match at the Valencia Open.

Taking on his friend and fellow Spaniard Nicolas Almagro, Ferrero managed to keep things close in the first set before Almagro jumped out to a 5-3 lead. Ferrero managed to pull even with Almagro before errors from Ferrero allowed Almagro to close out the set 7-5.

Almagro took control of the second set to eventually wrap up a 7-5, 6-3 victory. Upon receiving a standing ovation from the crowd, an overwhelmed Ferrero broke down in tears while still on court.

"This is a very special week, a very emotional week," Ferrero told ATP.com afterwards. "Today on court it was very emotional, but it’s been very emotional since the tournament started. When I first saw the draw, I was really not happy because he was one of the few players I didn’t want to play. We’re best friends, we practice together, and Nico is also trying to qualify for the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals. I was really not happy, but then, the nice side of it is that I played my last match against a very important person for me, a great friend."

Ferrero is still scheduled to play doubles later this week with David Ferrer and a final ceremony is planned later that will feature Rafael Nadal among others who will pay tribute to Ferrero's career.

Ferrero, who reached No. 1 in 2003 along with winning the French Open in that same year, will end his career as one of Spain's greatest players. He won 16 career ATP Tour titles along with reaching the quarterfinals of all four Grand Slams. His career total 254 clay-court wins is 21st overall among all players in the Open Era. Ferrero also led Spain's Davis Cup team to winning their first ever title in 2000.

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VALENCIA OPEN

Valencia, Spain

October 21-28, 2012

€1,424,850/ATP World Tour 500

Surface: Hard

Tournament Website: Valencia Open | Live Scores | Draws | TV Schedule

RESULTS - TUESDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2012

Singles - First Round

[1] D Ferrer (ESP) d [Q] O Rochus (BEL) 75 75

X Malisse (BEL) d [2] J Tsonga (FRA) 31 ret. (low back pain)

G Simon (FRA) d [3] J Tipsarevic (SRB) 54 ret. (right shoulder)

[6] N Almagro (ESP) d [WC] J Ferrero (ESP) 75 63