David Ferrer: From Player to Captain – Leading Spain in the Davis Cup

David Ferrer is an essential protagonist in the history of Spain in the Davis Cup. The one from Jávea (41 years old), who as a player won 28 of his 33 games in this competition and three salad bowls (2008, 2009 and 2011), makes his debut as captain this Wednesday against the Czech Republic with the last minute loss of Carlitos Alcaraz, to which he removes iron in conversation with this newspaper.

How has your experience as captain been so far?

Grateful for having the opportunity to be captain and very happy with the players. I have always felt very close to them. Training and preparing for the debut.

This competition doesn’t catch him again.

It has been many years as a player and I have seen many captains pass by. I know how Davis’s day-to-day life goes for a week. It is another role, but very assumed. I retired a long time ago and I am in another stage.

“I insist on punctuality and integrity, that we be a team”

David Ferrer

Have you introduced much change with respect to Bruguera?

Each one has their own style. I experienced Sergi (Bruguera) as captain and he helped me a lot. Is different. I know the players, I know how they work, and I try to be close to them, insist on punctuality and integrity, that we be a team. It has always been done and I try to put value in those things.

Fate has wanted it to premiere in Valencia, at home.

(Laughs) It was lucky. We are concentrated in the hotel 20 meters from my house. It’s curious. It is always better to play in Spain, with the fans in your favor, than outside.

What has surprised you most about this new angle from which Davis is going to live?

That there is much more to do, regarding the press, sponsorships… When you are a player you are much more liberated. Now it’s not just the hours you spend on the court with the players, it’s everything you have to do afterwards. But hey, having been director of the Godó I know how that works, so it hasn’t caught me again.

How have you adjusted to Alcaraz’s loss?

I was in New York with them and as soon as the game finished I spoke with Juan Carlos (Ferrero). He had some physical problems and was very tired. They told me that he was not going to be able to come and that he was very sorry. Focused on the players we have. They are a great team to try to qualify and we are focused on it.

“We have a team to try to qualify, I am focused on those who are there”

David Ferrer

The obvious concern is Djokovic’s Serbia. Between the Czech Republic or Korea, which do you see as more dangerous?

To everyone (laughs). But Czechia has a great team. Lehecka is very dangerous, he has beaten good tennis players and is top-30. And Mensik has passed qualifying and two rounds of the US Open. Then they have a good doubles, and now with a good singles player and a good doubles you can win the Davis, it is not like before when you needed two singles players. It’s going to be very close, we’re going to struggle to qualify, but I’m confident we’ll do it. Serbia, regardless of Djokovic, is very well covered.

Davidovich arrives at a good time, but he has never assumed the role of first sword until now. How does he see you?

Very good. He is a player to consolidate in Davis Cup. He has already gone through important matches on central courts and now it is his time. Obviously a debut is never easy. I lost with the 300th in the world and then I did very well in Davis. He has to face it and hopefully it turns out well. I am convinced that he is going to give 100%.

How do you see the track? Last year it was said to be slow.

It’s very good, faster than last year. In general all the players are happy in that aspect.

2023-09-12 02:57:57
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