※ [本文轉錄自 Spain_PL 看板]
作者: maocharn (嬋寶寶) 看板: Spain_PL
標題: [情報] Ferrero eyes title after Roddick withdrawal
時間: Wed Sep 24 21:13:56 2003
http://www.bangkokpost.net/ThailandOpen2003/240903/240903_open03.html
WORLD NUMBER ONE
Ferrero eyes title after Roddick withdrawal
Warm welcome for `the Mosquito'
Yvonne Bohwongprasert
A flushed-looking world No 1 Juan Carlos Ferrero saved the day for
Thailand Open organisers yesterday by making an appearance at a press
conference just hours after landing at Don Muang airport with his
Spanish compatriot Carlos Moya, who didn't show up due to illness.
Ferrero kept the spirits up for a number of tennis fans who were
invited to the Conrad Hotel by THAI Royal Orchid Plus to meet Ferrero,
Moya and Paradorn Srichaphan and collect autographs.
Alongside Thailand's top star Paradorn, Ferrero reached the hotel
to a warm welcome from his fans who included a handful of youngsters.
The Spaniard was mobbed by autograph hunters, before being ushered
to the stage to share a few words with the audience.
``I am really happy to come to Thailand,'' said the 182-cm tall No 1,
who also admitted that he was surprised to hear American world No 2
Andy Roddick had pulled out of the tournament with a hamstring injury.
``I fancied my chances of meeting Roddick in the final. And as we're
meeting on neutral ground, I believe I stood a good chance of avenging
my defeat against him in the US Open final.
``Without Roddick, I stand a good chance of winning the title.''
Judging from the draw, Ferrero said that he could meet Paradorn in
the semi-finals.
Asked to comment on the reason for his success on the ATP Tour, the
softly-spoken Spaniard said that like most professionals, he worked
hard both during practice and in competition.
As for how he spent his free time, Ferrero said that he enjoyed
watching movies and driving his car.
His priority, however, lay in being with his family, which he had
little time to be with because of the fact that he is required to
travel most of the year.
On a lighter note, the 23-year-old, who is nicknamed ``the Mosquito'',
said that he was given that name because he was very fast on court.
Paradorn, the world No 11, said that he was not under any pressure
to perform at the Kingdom's inaugural ATP tournament.
``I don't think of it as pressure because the support of the Thai
crowds will work in my behalf,'' said the Thai ace.
``As this is the first time Thailand is organising an ATP tournament,
it will be good to see a huge crowd turn up.
``After the Davis Cup, I am ready to roll as I am both mentally and
physically ready for the tournament.''
Meanwhile Brian Marcar, managing director of Thailand Open main organiser
BEC Tero, said that it had been a big blow on Monday to hear of Roddick's
sudden withdrawal from the tournament.
But he laid rumours to rest by confirming that it was indeed a hamstring
injury that made Roddick withdraw after some reports had claimed that
the American hadn't been interested in attending the tournament from
the start.
``Andy's photograph was large as life on all the promotional material
for the Thailand Open, so it was most unfortunate that he couldn't make
it due to medical reasons, and nothing else,'' said Marcar.
Security for the event has also been increased. The BEC Tero executive
confirmed that about 800 security guards have been deployed around the
Muang Thong Impact Arena.
``Before the venue is open to the public every day our security officers
will make a complete check.
``There will also be sniffer dogs and a bomb squad at hand to guarantee
everyone's safety. About 18 bodyguards have also been hired by the
organisers to accompany the top players,'' added Marcar.
Central Department Store has also offered to keep their shopping arcade
open in case there is a request by any top players, Marcar added.
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