Madrid Open with blue clay

Making blue clay
Ion Tiriac, a consultant to the tournament, has said that the cost of making a blue clay court is almost double that of making a red clay court. The process is essentially the same as producing a red clay court, with the dyed bricks ground into fragments. Two layers are then spread over the court.
On the official website: “It’s important to take into account that we can never directly dye the original red bricks blue as we would never achieve the desired colour as the base of the red brick off a different effect. For that reason, the iron oxide needs to be removed at the start of the process. Another interesting point is that if we put one hand in a bag of red clay and another in one containing blue clay we would see that the red clay would leave a stronger stain.”

Samuel López - head coach of JC Ferrero tennis academy

Samuel López is one of our coaches, co-founder of the Juan Carlos Ferrero - Equelite Sport Academy and, nowadays, the Nicolás Almagro tennis coach.

He is the one in charge of the JC Ferrero's trainings and schedule next to Antonio Martínez Cascales, one of the best Spanish coaches with loads of distinctions from the Spanish Royal Federation, Proffesional Tennis Registration, etc.

In addition, Samuel uses to manage a lot of tournaments. For example, in April 2012 he is the director of the best ITF tournament in Spain which is played at Equelite -Grade 2- which is problably becoming Grade 1 for 2013. Also, the Spanish National Championship, the Equelite Tennis tour in the Valencia Open and Andalucía zone, etc.

Right now, he is part of the technical staff of the federation and one of the teachers in charge of the formation of new coaches.

Head coach of Equelite for the last 12 years and training with lots of professional players like JC Ferrero, Nico, David Ferrer, María Sharapova, Justin Henin, etc.

Almagro Retains Brasil Open 2012 Crown

World No. 11 Nicolas Almagro defeated Filippo Volandri 6-3, 4-6, 6-4 in Sao Paulo Sunday to repeat as champion at the Brasil Open 2012. "This was not my best match here in Brazil, as I was tense and nervous," admitted Almagro. "But once again, I had control of my emotions, which is what I have always demanded, controlling the important moments. I think it's good to win a tournament and be able to think that I can still play a little better."

The top seed fired 18 aces, winning 88 per cent of his first serve points.  On his first match point, Almagro converted his fourth break of serve against the Italian to clinch the crown in two hours and two minutes. The Spaniard improved to a 7-3 record against Volandri, winning his fifth match in a row over the 30 year old. "I am happy. I am on a cloud, winning a tournament three times, and twice in a row," said Almagro. "It's hard. I got here and all I want is to continue working to keep improving in my career."

Almagro is the first wild card to win an ATP World Tour event since American Ryan Sweeting captured the US Men's Clay Court Championship trophy in Houston last year. All 11 of Almagro’s career titles have come on clay courts, and the victory marked his third triumph at the ATP World Tour 250 event, with successes in 2011 and 2008. When asked to select which one of the three stood out, Almagro said, "It is a hard question. I think all titles are equally important in your career. In 2008, it was an amazing tournament. I managed to beat Carlos Moya in a tough final. Then last year, it was the beginning of a run that I really could not have dreamed. I won in Brazil, I won Buenos Aires, and I was very close to winning Acapulco.
"It is always difficult to win two years in a row and this year was just as hard, because it was my third crown. Every title has a great place in my heart and is very difficult to choose one. I take all three and I hope that next year will be four."
Volandri was looking to end a title drought dating back to his win in Palmero six years ago. "I think I played another very good match today," said Volandri. "I tried my best and fought a lot. I think in the third set, I was playing better than him but he was serving unbelievable.
"This result is more than what I was expecting this week. It gives me a lot of confidence to keep on pushing through. If I am consistent, I can play with all the players, especially on clay."

Happy Birthday, Samuel!!!!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SAMUEL!!!!

ALL OUR BEST TO YOU! We wish you to be strong and healthy, and all the rest you can make it! Love and be loved! No worries, be happy! Tennis with you!

Samuel Lopez is our Technical Director and friend. He helps us everytime with training. He believes in us. For him all players are very important. He thinks about all of us. We want to say thanks for his prof coaching. And we are so happy that u continue to work with us. And thanks for everything (that you created this academy with Toni). And we try our best, SAMUEL!