Three years after his retirement, David Ferrer (Xàbia, 1982) still retains the figure of a tennis player. He also the passion for the sport in which he became one of the best players in the world. After saying goodbye to him, he enrolled in the sports management of the Conde de Godó Trophy, where he has gained time for reflection. The pandemic frustrated his plans the first two years, now he wants the fan to enjoy the tournament again. He doesn’t know how long he will remain in office, but he dreams of one day being Davis captain, although David Ferrer is no longer obsessed with anything.
“Carlos Alcaraz is going to be the benchmark for Spanish tennis, but I don’t like to compare him with Rafa because he is unique, he is special”
In the third year normalcy returned. Did you have a hard time during the pandemic?
In general I am quite calm and optimistic. Last season we had certain doubts about whether the tournament could be held and it could be done with a 12% capacity. I’m happy with how things turned out within the small margin we had. This year everything will be normal and I am very excited. Now I’m happy that people can enjoy great days in the tournament, that they see the evolution it has had.
Why did he say yes to Godó?
Since I was five years old my parents used to come to the tournament and it was like our vacation week. That’s why I love him so much. In addition, I have been able to play here for many years and I have made four finals. When they offered me the possibility of being director of the tournament, it is what made me most excited since I retired, because it is something sentimental and feelings cannot be bought.
You will have to manage the post-Nadal stage, each day closer.
The post-Nadal stage will be difficult. Rafa’s shadow covers a lot. There will be no other player like him. But we are lucky. We have Carlos Alcaraz who is going to be a benchmark for Spanish tennis. But I don’t like to compare him to Rafa because he is unique and different. He is special.
How satisfied are you with this year’s draw?
I am very happy to have players like Tsitsipas who made the final with Rafa last year and was about to win Roland Garros, he is a very charismatic player. then we have top ten new ones like Casper Ruud, who played the Masters last year and is very good on clay. From there I want to name Roberto Bautista, Pablo Carreño and of course Carlos Alcaraz, this year’s revelation, a young player with a great future and who will be a benchmark for Spanish tennis after Rafa.
Where do you see Alcaraz next year?
this year will end top ten . Next year, if he continues with this evolution, he will have the chance to play a Grand Slam.
Who does it remind you of?
maybe to Spring Kuerten, who always dominated the point. With that ease of generating power without a great effort. It is difficult to compare him, but he is a player who has something different. He has a lot of strength in his punches and against any player, even top ten , is capable of dominating and that is very complicated. In addition, he plays very well on the counterattack and physically he is already formed. He accelerates the ball very quickly and that is having a superior weapon to other players.
Who will dominate tennis when the big three are gone?
There will be variants. It is difficult to say a dominator. Everything will be shared a bit. Players like Zverev, Rubliov, Tsitsipas and Sinner are going to be there. Shapovalov hasn’t hit the table yet, but he’s in good shape. It’s hard to stick with just one. If I had to say someone about his ability to evolve, I would say Carlos Alcaraz, but he is the youngest of them all.
Has the next gen already taken off?
The best (Nadal, Djokovic and Federer) have grown older. But Rafa and Djokovic keep putting out that “here we are” line. In the important moments they are still the best.
And who will win the great battle between the big three?
First I don’t want to think about when it’s going to end. I want to enjoy them. I love that there is that incentive to see who is the best on the planet in this sport. And I love that Rafa is the best at the moment. I think that between Rafa and Djokovic there will be the fight to be the best. I’m not saying that Roger can’t be close to winning a Grand Slam, but it’s been two years without competing, he’s not going to go top-seeded and he’ll have to play with high-ranking players and that wears you down physically.
And Djokovic unable to play…
For tennis it’s a shame, because we want to see the best in the world compete and Djokovic is one of the best in history. Hopefully it can be resolved soon. So far he has already been to Monte Carlo.
You renew year after year. Do you see yourself as a director for a long time?
I am from day to day, I go for sensations. If I like something and I have a good time I continue doing it and what I don’t, I change it. I will be years if I am happy and the team is happy with me. What does it matter to me to renew for three, four or five years. As if I renewed ten, if I see that the team or my bosses are not happy, I would not be either. The contract is the word.
Are you comfortable off the slopes or are you still pulling?
I feel good. I don’t miss tennis. When I retired I didn’t miss him any day. I had a great time, I still love playing with the seniors, but not competing. It was difficult for me to have regularity at the level I wanted to have. But I left with a very good level of tennis. I was comfortable.
Do you see yourself as a coach?
I have had opportunities to train. enough. But I’m fine. I’m still linked to tennis and I have time for other things.
And captain of the Davis?
Yes, it will make me excited in the future. I would like to be it. Sure.
