Former world No1 Juan Carlos Ferrero’s stellar career ended on a flat note on Tuesday as he exited in the first round of the Valencia Open beaten 7-5, 6-3 by compatriot Nicolas Almagro.
Ferrero, 32 and winner of 15 singles titles including the 2003 French Open, was very emotional as he addressed the spectators for the final time.
“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 said. “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 for a few weeks next year and I think we’ll have some fun. I still have a lot to learn from him.”
Meanwhile, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga’s hopes of making the end of season ATP Masters finals suffered a blow as he was forced to withdraw with a back problem.
The 27-year-old – who presently occupies the eighth and last spot for the November 5-11 tournament – had called for the physiotherapist in only the second game of his first round match with Belgian Xavier Malisse.
However, despite the treatment the tournament second seed – who got to the final of the Stockholm Open last Sunday – had to give up when trailing 3-1 in the first set.
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