Though I've never met the great guy...here's what my Canadian friend emailed me!

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Finally, I am ready to start posting my TMS TO04 reports...

Friday 23jul04

Gorgeous day! Checked out some places here and there for my Rogi but no luck… but I did spy Marat, Guga and Larri, Misha, TommyR, Enqvist, T Johansson, Arazi, Youzhny, Lee, Bjorkman


Saturday 24jul04 Qualifying round

Beautiful sunny, dry but intensely burning day

Drove the long boring trek up to the Tennis Centre via yukky construction-ridden highways

Arrived at the dusty parking lot only to pay $9 per session, not per day… no in/out privileges either – a ripoff! Shuttle buses [free] to the centre – recommended on rainy or hot days

Huge new Stadium Court holding about 13,000 seats or so max over the next couple of years

Lovely banners of Patrick Rafter and Marat Safin, both former TMS Canada winners – YAY!, flanking the main entrance; towards the main area, banners of Sampras and Agassi [good points of reference, especially if you want to meet up – let’s meet under Agassi]; to the right of the entrance, ticket booths, with huge poster of our Federer and one of Roddick.

Arrived around 11ish and checked out the practice courts first: a set of 4 courts [6-9] w only one entrance at one end… not so great if your fave is practising on the far end… unless you have a HUGE lens [btw, no probs with checking bags]

Spied Michel Kratochvil with his girlfriend and I immediately accosted him in my best French… well, I only asked for a photo. He was practising right in front of us [later on Micha was constantly popping up here and there, on the cart]

We watched Safin, with new crewcut, practising under the watchful eye of Peter Lundgren [has he lost a little weight?] w Soderling; Escude in the far court, bald and topless; Guga and Nalby; later Gonzalez and Lapentti; then Coria, who really is as short as he looks

Tons of guys wandering around, some being chased, others totally ignored – quite amusing actually

Henman and Hewitt (not together) and Haas and Malisse were also practising in courts 3-5, among others

If you’re lucky, you can grab one of the plastic chairs in front of the practice courts; otherwise you have to stand, usually behind some tall person w big hair…

I caught Rafael Nadal walking towards me so I stopped him in Spanish, asking for a photo, then I wished him luck in the tournament [maybe I jinxed him] – practising with Robredo [disguised in a hat and looking slimmer than I remember] – we always see a lot of Tommy [not that I’m complaining]

I forgot to mention that Agassi was practising in court 5 and they had to summon up several security people as he exited after practice… it’s too much really, and no, he did not sign any autographs.

Great practice session w Marat (v animated, laughing and having fun) and Labadze, then Henman and Nalby!

I saw two women walking out of the Stadium and noticed the dark-haired one as they passed me – then I realized that the other woman was Carla Coria – she’s quite tall herself, about 5’8” or so

Waited for Guga and Larri to leave amidst the adoring fans…including some enthusiastic Brazilians who caught Guga’s attention. Tons of Guga admirers vying for his autograph. Meanwhile, Coria was still practising, now shirtless to reveal his new six-pack!

Thought I might catch a bit of Lapentti’s qually at Stadium Court but wouldn’t you know it? While waiting to escape a long service game to get back to the practice courts, [KIKKO, this is for you] I missed the arrival on golf cart of Juan Carlos Ferrero at around 5pm! And poor Nico lost his match in 3 sets… too bad

Luckily, my sis saw Juanqui drive by, which caused a gaggle of teenaged girls to scream excitedly as a crowd rushed in the direction of his court! According to her, Juanqui arrived 10 minutes early, so while he waited to get on court, he walked up to the fans on the other side of a picket fence and signed autographs! So endearing!

I had almost given up hope of seeing either of my faves Juanqui or Rogi [whom we never did see anywhere today – he must have just arrived today]

Fortunately my sis had parked herself close to Juanqui, who was practising w Tommy Robredo, so I was able to get in amongst the throng [mind you, it was late in the day, around 5pm so many people had already left – smart Juanqui!]

Sitting at the side were his Dad Eduardo Ferrero and girlfriend Patricia Bonilla

The practice session, which was to last for 2 hours, was a lively, animated, fun yet focused fest for the fans

I’ve never seen Tommy talk so much! He was clearly in a positive mood, not so serious. At one point he even “flirted” a little w Patricia, who called him “Robredo!” Juanqui was totally oblivious to such goings-on! His Dad was also in a good mood, carrying on snippets of conversation w his son

Oh did I mention that both guys were topless with lovely…tans? Well they were! And I spied the famous tattoo peaking out from Juanqui’s…shorts!

It was a little intrusive trying to photograph everyone at close range w my telephoto lens but I think Juanqui quite liked the attention… there were so many people w program and pen in hand

Both Juanqui and Tommy were hitting the ball quite cleanly and with some force and strength – all in all a very good workout, for them and for our eyes! Robredo left after 90 minutes, then Juanqui did a few movement/speed drills with his coach.

The best thing about this practice session was that Juanqui signed about a dozen balls and tossed them to his ever-attentive fans! Too bad I had a camera in one hand, thus losing my chance at a Juanqui-signed ball! Oh well, it was great just being there to see him up close!

So the next time people say Juan Carlos Ferrero has NO personality and is a ‘cold fish’, I give you personality, thoughtfulness, and generosity!

In the crush of autograph-seekers and amateur photographers [myself included], I managed somehow to get Eduardo’s attention, in Spanish – I quickly explained to him that I have some messages for Juanqui and that I know Valencia a little, so he seemed interested.

While Juanqui was passing by me signing programs, I said to him that I have this envelope of messages so I handed it to him and he said “Gracias”. So I felt somewhat satisfied that I was able to make some kind of brief contact w him.

Trying to follow these guys out of the court is lunacy but again while Juanqui was surrounded by his little screaming fans, I saw that Eduardo was standing off by himself, so once again I took the opportunity to talk w him a little. We discussed Davis Cup in Alicante, I asked him about Canada, as this was his first ever visit and was impressed w the tennis facilities, etc., using the word “inteligentes” [hey, that’s us Canadians he was talking about], and I wished the Spanish team luck… I could have blabbed all day, there was so much to talk about!

We left at 7, exhausted from a lot of standing, sunburnt, but satisfied with the day’s ‘catch’!

HIGHLIGHT OF THE DAY: Watching Juanqui’s 2-hour practice session, and making contact!
DISAPPOINTMENT OF THE DAY: No ROGI!!!!

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Tennistic tale #2:



Bought a DiarioSport and checked out the article on the sports theatre with Alex Corretja. Tried to find a Spanish tennis book, Silencio, se juega w foreward by Alex Corretja [Jordi Cotrina, photographer] – out of print!



We buy return train tickets to Xativa. We pass by endless fields of orange groves. As we near the interior, the terrain becomes slightly hillier and drier. Eleven stops later, we arrive at Xativa and it’s raining…



I phone Equelite and tell them that we have arrived at Xativa and the woman on the other end [quite friendly and pleasant and helpful] knows who I am and is expecting us. We tell her that we will get a taxi to the academy, which she says will take about 45 minutes.



Now to find a taxi … I explain that we want to go to Villena… the taxi driver says “imposible” since he has another fare. So how else to get there… no train so try the bus station… A few minutes later he comes back and says, OK, he can take us there but it costs a small fortune!



Way too expensive, and that’s for one way only! Forget it! We walk to the bus station… no ticket booth, no information… ask the bus conductor… sorry, no buses to Villena, but the next one leaves at 3pm for Ontinyent and takes an hour. OK, time to phone again and say we can’t make it… the rain stopped and so has our hope of Equelite…



Back at the train station after enquiring about other trains to Villena… none of which work… I reluctantly phone and explain that we can’t make it after all… the woman says that we can’t come all this way and NOT visit the academy. But it’s too costly for one taxi ride and it’s the only way we can go. She says that it will be worth our while to come… if Juan Carlos were there, it WOULD be worthwhile… but alas, Juan Carlos is NOT there… he’s in Valencia on vacation! [Well, Juanqui, we’re in Valencia on vacation also!] So I say, that’s too bad… I have to think about it … Somewhere in the conversation, the woman says “Es mi hermano.” … “He’s my brother.” I said, oh, are you Laura or Ana? She said she’s Laura…



I tell my sis this … meanwhile Laura is saying that it’s not everyday you come to Valencia and have a chance to visit Equelite… That makes up our minds… what the hell, it’s only a lot of money! We go back to the same taxi and he drives us to Villena. We pass by Ontinyent, which the taxista mentions that’s where a ‘famous tennis player’ is from… as if we didn’t know! We arrive in less than an hour and I part with enough Euros to see us through a rather nice meal… Our driver buzzes us in to let the gate open and lets us off at the entrance.



Thus begins our little adventure.



Laura sees us and greets us warmly. She looks as we expected, a little tallish, blond, attractive, slender, like her brother. She is happy that we finally made it! She offers us a cafelito “to warm us up”, while we wait for her “compañera” to give us a tour of the academy.



As she talks, we look around the small reception area overlooking the well-kept grounds. There is a small conference room where students meet their coaches every morning to map out their day. A newly-painted portrait of Juanqui by a local Villena artist, stands in the window. We see a poster of Juanqui and gaze out to the outdoor courts and garden area.



We see some offices and a physio room, as well as a small pro shop with posters and photos of Juanqui, including one by Marca when he won Roland Garros in 2003. Downstairs is a lounge where students can use the PCs, watch TV and relax. I go towards the bar and cafeteria, where I order my café con leche. The food smelled good!



Outside is a lovely little round swimming pool, which must be inviting during the hot, dry summers, in temperatures of 40C plus.



Laura explained that Juan Carlos was on vacation in Valencia this week but would probably return to Equelite the following week to start training for Davis Cup. She said he should be ready for the Final in Sevilla.



Since we couldn’t come all the way from Canada without bringing something for Juanqui, we presented a card, some photos and a little recuerdo. Laura thanked us and said that she would give it all to Juanqui when he comes home.



Her compañera came and basically gave us a personal tour of Equelite, all in Spanish as she said her English was not very good and that I would have to translate for my sis [which I never really did]! She started with the upstairs area and before going outside, we saw some of the students’ rooms, washrooms and library downstairs, as well as a little sauna room.



We walked past the garden and pool, which is surrounded by little “casitas” where the older students live. Their family members are allowed to stay and visit! She pointed out Juan Carlos’ little casa as well, he shares with another player. On our way out, Juanqui’s big dog was languishing on the floor. Two other little dogs followed us everywhere, one of whom belongs to his sister and the other is Juanqui’s.



We did see some students training on the various outdoor courts – clay, artificial turf and hard, including one covered court – and in the training/weight room. They were pretty friendly, saying “Hola” to us!



The 3-year program is quite strict and there are many students on the waiting list. Most are from Europe, especially Eastern Europe and Britain. A few Americans come only for the summer months. Although Equelite is only for boys, 2 Russian girls are training there also.



The site is nestled in a little valley surrounded by rugged dry mountains, very typical of the area – this is Alicante province, just S of Valencia. The academy is quite spread out, with much space to expand. There are many non-tennis facilities also: driving range, running track, footie field, ping pong tables, padel court, beach volley-tennis.



There are 6 coaches for 25 or so students. Students either learn English or Spanish.



We noticed two photos of Maria Sharapova modelling a new Equelite T-shirt while she was visiting. She seems to like the place [wonder if Juanqui has anything to do with it…].



At the end, we thanked everyone for being SO kind and generous! They were quite happy to show us around – maybe we’re the first Canadian visitors they’ve had?



Unfortunately, it was time to get back to Villena, so they phoned for a taxi to take us to the Villena train station to catch the train all the way back to Valencia. While we waited, we asked if we could look at a few souvenirs to take home. No problem, they said! Cool!



As our taxi arrived, we profusely thanked Laura and her compañera for being so gracious and we wished Juanqui and the Spanish Davis Cup Team all the best for the Final in Sevilla and said we will be supporting them from afar, and that we hope to see Juanqui back fit and healthy in 2005. We also said we’d love to see him play a clay tournament one day to see his elegant form!


Laura thanked us for finally deciding to come and told us how she was so “contenta de encontraros”! I guess we’re not such strangers to her! I told her that I had talked with her father in Toronto. We reluctantly got in the taxi in the brisk cold wind of early evening and waved “hasta luego” – not adios! They said to come back again whenever we want!



What a day – yes, it definitely was worth the effort and money!



…



Some notes:



I just realized the significance of ordering roast duck at the French resto – a good omen for the TMC Houston!



At Corte Ingles, the Spanish department store, checked out Roger Federer’s Maurice Lacroix watch display with Rogi’s face, in the “relojes de lujo” section. Unfortunately, no brochures … I knew that they sold the watches in Spain because one of my Valencia brochures had an ad of Rogi in it! No sign of his cologne though.



On TV I see that Marat has defeated Canas and will face Stepanek, who beat Mirnyi, in the Paris Final tomorrow. DAVAI, Marat!

Surfed a bit and noted that Safin had beaten Canas in the SF of TMS Paris – woo hoo! Unfortunately he was to face Stepanek instead of Mirnyi.



Checked out the Club de Tenis de Valencia, a private club, to see where they play the Valencia tournament [and one of the DC ties] – almost impossible to see anything though

whoow!!! what a stories!!! ^_^
ohh im so jealous at your canadian friend!!! seeing Juanqui practice for 2 hours!! going to his training academy.. wow love it!!
but a question: is it allowed to just go and visit the academy?? I thought it wud be a bit strange to just go there and say : hi im veer im a juanqui fan so because of that im here.. :unsure:
but id love to go there...

Nice report! Thank you for sharing, Kikko! :) Glad to hear that JC was so amiable, and Laura sounds like a sweetheart. :flower:

:o Wow! They are excellent reports! Hahaha, JC is not such a cold fish after all! I'm wondering the same thing as Veer. Can you just go an visit Equelite, or do you have to be as friendly with the Ferrero family as your friend?

oh wow..wat a lovely repots!! *arghh..so jealous! * ><

WOW So cooool reports !!! I wish that one day I cud be able to share such stories ;)

Thats unfair I would love to meet a tennis player I am very jealous of your friend! I have had the fortune of meeting a few F1 drivers most of them are really nice.

i'm really yealous on him i've only see ferrero this year in rotterdam the first round. and i don't have a signature of him i really want one. and he saw ferrero two houres and spoke with him. i really want to do that to!

My friend says that you have to be a Ferrero family friend! ;) WOW! How many 'f's can i get in a sentence??

I really hope I can meet him at Wimby this year! :D:D:D

No...joking really! You can phone them up and book a meeting , as long as you can speak spanish (which sadly I cannot!!...)

Love,
Kikko xxxxxxxx

awh damn u have to be able to speak spanish?? damn theres my downfall. :(


*note to self* get someone who speaks spanish to go with me!

sharon, *** speaks spanish, right! ok we need him to visit jc on our trip to europe haha

does sharon not speak spanish??

i don't speak spanish either but i will learn it.
i had a text on paper by the ABN amro wtt in spanish for ferrero and he read it!!!! i was so happy he saw it. my neighbour had translated it for me in spanish.

I started learning spanish at school...so that i'll be able to write juanqui fan letters!!! :D

what did you wrote??

hmm so I'm able to meet jc if someone who speaks spanish goes with me? :omg:

there was on it:
ferrero, aqui esta la mas grande fan tuya
it means ferrero here is you biggest fan.
but there had to stand that i was his biggest fan of holland but it wasn't fit on the paper. but he read it and that was great!

cool!!
only... biggest fan of Holland... :whistle: :whistle: ??
hehe :ph43r:

i know you are also from holland. but it sounds so nice and my mother came with the idea.

haha you dont have to explain it girl :) I was just joking around :P
indeed, it sounds really cool and sweet :)