The late-night Spanish crowd was amped and eager for
David Ferrer to extend his retirement tour for at least one more match.
The packed La Caja Magica showered the 37-year-old, whose historic work ethic made him beloved by all,
with chants of “Ferru ! Ferru ! Ferru !”, but
Alexander Zverev knock out him
6-4, 6-1 in Madrid Open second round last night.
“It's a reality that physically I cannot play more than two straight matches
at the level that I would like to play and that is another symptom that says
that my life as a tennis player is finishing.
But I have been very lucky to be able to choose the moment,
the place, and to share it with all of you and with all the people that I love.”
“I never expected a goodbye or farewell like today.
I tried to play at a high level during the last year, but a day like today,
people at work tomorrow, everyone stays here to support me
and that is something that I will only have in my mind and in my heart.
It's something I will never forget,”
“It's the only match that I have lost and I'm not very sad.
Whenever I lost a match in the past, I left very sad.
Today I'm not sad. Today is a day that I want to enjoy,
and I'm very happy to be able to enjoy a day like today.”Ferrer said.
Ending the Spaniard's legendary career that saw him reach No. 3 in the ATP Rankings
and win 27 tour-level titles,( including 15 on clay).
“I never won Madrid. I never won Roland Garros. I never won some tournaments
I would've loved to win. I have my trophies at home, they're just trophies, material,”
“What I really take with me is the love you've shown me.
Always in my heart. Thank you so much.” Ferrer last word.
Atptour news
David Ferrer decided to retire in Madrid
The packed La Caja Magica showered the 37-year-old, whose historic work ethic made him beloved by all,
with chants of “Ferru ! Ferru ! Ferru !”, but Alexander Zverev knock out him 6-4, 6-1 in Madrid Open second round last night.
“It's a reality that physically I cannot play more than two straight matches
at the level that I would like to play and that is another symptom that says
that my life as a tennis player is finishing.
But I have been very lucky to be able to choose the moment,
the place, and to share it with all of you and with all the people that I love.”
“I never expected a goodbye or farewell like today.
I tried to play at a high level during the last year, but a day like today,
people at work tomorrow, everyone stays here to support me
and that is something that I will only have in my mind and in my heart.
It's something I will never forget,”
“It's the only match that I have lost and I'm not very sad.
Whenever I lost a match in the past, I left very sad.
Today I'm not sad. Today is a day that I want to enjoy,
and I'm very happy to be able to enjoy a day like today.”Ferrer said.
Ending the Spaniard's legendary career that saw him reach No. 3 in the ATP Rankings
and win 27 tour-level titles,( including 15 on clay).
“I never won Madrid. I never won Roland Garros. I never won some tournaments
I would've loved to win. I have my trophies at home, they're just trophies, material,”
“What I really take with me is the love you've shown me.
Always in my heart. Thank you so much.” Ferrer last word.
Atptour news