Once his time as a player was over, with 27 trophies, three Davis Cups and the unanimous recognition of his colleagues in the swords, David Ferrer got his act together and embarked on an adventure in the offices that he now combines with the bench. He took the reins of the Godó management in 2020, a task that still occupies him, and two years later he tried the Davis Cup experience. His name, however, quickly began to sound in the background as a possible replacement for Sergi Bruguera as captain, whom he replaced at the end of 2022. But the first contact was not positive. In his first year with the bracelet, several conditions harmed his debut and the Spanish team failed to get through the group stage, suffering two heavy defeats (0-3) and achieving a less than comforting victory against South Korea. However, today they are smiling and celebrating, having this time secured their place in the final round in November with a clean sheet and, in addition, against three high-class opponents: the Czech Republic, France and Australia.
“It was tough, because we competed well, but we lost the first two games 6-0 and it was hard to see them like that. [a los jugadores]. I have lost many times and I try, as captain, to do what I believe in. It didn’t work out well, but we already have a base of players who have experience, or who have already proven themselves, and that is essential. You can’t win without building. I made my debut [en 2006] and I lost to the 300th in the world [el bielorruso Vladimir Voltchkov]and many people don’t know that, and then I have been one of the players who have won the most games [28 en 20 series] “in the Davis Cup. That’s why I understand it,” the coach admits to this newspaper, still wrapped in the skin of the tennis player in form and substance. He hung up his racket four years ago, but Ferrer always carried with him the professional codes that he now applies as a coach, always from that balanced term so essential in a sport with a high emotional component, in which things change very quickly. For example, from one year to the next. And that was when things were not looking too good.
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“Apart from that, the draw was made by Feli [López, actual director de la Davis]… And I wanted to kill him! I said to him: What have you done?,” admits the Valencian, referring to the moment when he found out who Spain would face in the group stage; three real tough guys, all three of whom he outplayed. “It was impressive, they fought every game. It was incredible, I am very happy for them.” [los jugadores] and for myself. It was a great week, I will always have good memories in Valencia. Everything was very good,” he said in the conference room at La Fonteta, after the 2-1 victory over Australia and the ticket obtained for the Málaga event, which will take place from 19 to 24 November.
Ferrer hugs Granollers as Martínez looks on.Biel Aliño (EFE)
Ferrer said that he doesn’t really feel a sense of relief, but that this is simply sport, that sometimes it works and other times it doesn’t, and that above all he is happy for his team, his boys. “The experience as a player was very nice and now, more than for the ego of winning it as captain, because I didn’t decide to be captain to win it, I am happy to be able to contribute and help, because I think that this competition gives you a lot and through it you experience unique things. That they can experience it as I did, and that I can help them manage those moments, is what really fulfills me. I already won it. I like the concept of a team, of unity. I say it with sincerity, that is what moved me to be captain,” he answers, confident in the good future of Spanish tennis, regardless of the results that may be recorded individually or collectively.
Mentality and comebacks
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“We have lived through a golden age, and now a transition is necessary. It’s not a problem, it’s logical,” he says; “Now there are very good players, what happens is that we have had so many top-10 y top-20that everything else is not enough. We are spoiled. There are very good players, really. I consider that those who are in the top-100 They are capable of winning good matches and giving joy. It is true that with Rafa [Nadal] “People got used to winning, so when Almagro, Feliciano, Verdasco or Ferrer won something it didn’t have as much impact, but it was normal. We have a good future. It’s just a matter of time. Let’s give the players time.”
Alcaraz and Rafa Jódar joke around during a break.Eva Manez (REUTERS)
The fact is that Ferrer’s choice was a consensus. The locker room perceives him as one of their own and his influence is important, given his curriculum and his long career in the national team, with which he reached the top in 2008, 2009 and 2011. He, meanwhile, naturally directs and shapes a group in which Carlos Alcaraz (21) leads, but in which some Praetorians such as Roberto Bautista (36), Pablo Carreño (33) or Marcel Granollers (37) continue to maintain their weight, and in which Pedro Martínez (27) is gradually becoming established. The captain also mentions the projection of youngsters such as Martín Landaluce (18) and Pablo Llamas (21), whose rise has recently been joined by Rafa Jódar with the success in the junior title at the US Open. Like Landaluce two years ago, the Madrid native has been recruited by Ferrer as a sparring.
“The important thing is the mentality of the players,” he said. And they have responded with actions. Three victories in the group stage, with four comebacks included – Bautista’s against Fils, Carreño’s against Thompson and two others in the doubles – and recognition for the coach, who over the last few days has managed to manage all the pieces with success. Beyond the fact that the classification was already decided and with the first place still at stake, he wanted to give prominence to Carreño and Martínez, and the intervention of both was decisive in deciding the match against Australia. “Courage, courage to face difficult things and being brave enough to believe in themselves,” he suggested as the key, narrowing the focus exclusively to the tennis players: “Without their courage it would not have been possible. Saying it is easy, the difficult thing is doing it, and they are the ones who run.”
NADAL IN MALAGA: “WHY NOT?”
Asked during the press conference after the victory about the possibility of Rafael Nadal (38 years old and 154th in the world) joining the team in the following season, Ferrer, 42, left the door open.
“Yes, I have spoken to him. I don’t know yet, but why not? It’s a possibility,” he said, dissociating the absence of the Mallorcan in Valencia from what may happen later on.
“I knew that his objective was the Games and then he wanted to decide, to take a holiday. As a friend, not as a captain, I thought it was a good idea that he didn’t come here; I think it wasn’t his turn, he needed those days of rest and to be with his family,” said the Xàbia native.
“He has recharged his batteries and, from there, whether he decides to be in Malaga or not is something I will discuss with him. We will decide what we do. The important thing is that Rafa is well, because I know that if he is well and eager, he could arrive in very good condition.”
– How did David Ferrer’s playing career influence his coaching style in the Davis Cup?
David Ferrer’s Journey: From Tennis Star to Successful Captain
David Ferrer, the former tennis sensation, has embarked on a new adventure as a coach and captain of the Spanish Davis Cup team. With an impressive playing career behind him, Ferrer has successfully transitioned to the other side of the court, guiding his team to success in the prestigious tournament.
A Star-Studded Playing Career
Before hanging up his racket in 2019, Ferrer accumulated an impressive 27 trophies, three Davis Cups, and the respect of his peers. His playing career was marked by his tenacity, dedication, and passion for the sport. Ferrer’s experience and achievements on the court have undoubtedly influenced his approach to coaching, allowing him to connect with his players on a deeper level.
The Transition to Coaching
In 2020, Ferrer took the reins of the Godó management, a role he still occupies today. Two years later, he embarked on the Davis Cup journey, replacing Sergi Bruguera as captain in 2022. Although his debut was marred by heavy defeats, Ferrer’s team has since bounced back, securing a spot in the final round of the tournament with a clean sheet.
Overcoming Adversity
Ferrer’s first year as captain was marked by challenges, including two 0-3 defeats that left him wondering how to improve his team’s performance. However, he acknowledges that building a strong team takes time and experience. As a player, Ferrer lost many matches, but he learned from each defeat, and he applies the same mindset as a coach.
The Turning Point
The draw for the group stage seemed daunting, with Spain facing formidable opponents such as the Czech Republic, France, and Australia. However, Ferrer’s team fought valiantly, winning every match and earning a spot in the final round. Ferrer credits his players’ determination and hard work for the turnaround, saying, “It was impressive, they fought every game. I am very happy for them and for myself.”
A Coach’s Perspective
Ferrer’s coaching philosophy is centered around balance and emotional control, essential qualities in a high-pressure sport like tennis. He understands that success and failure are part of the game and that building a strong team requires patience and dedication. His experience as a player has equipped him with the expertise to guide his team through the ups and downs of the tournament.
The Road Ahead
As the Spanish Davis Cup team prepares for the final round in Málaga, Ferrer remains focused on the task at hand. He is proud of his team’s achievements and is committed to helping them reach their full potential. Ferrer’s journey as a coach is ongoing, and his success is a testament to his hard work, determination, and passion for the sport.
Key Takeaways
David Ferrer’s transition from tennis star to successful coach and captain is a testament to his dedication and passion for the sport.
Ferrer’s team has overcome adversity to secure a spot in the final round of the Davis Cup.
His coaching philosophy emphasizes balance, emotional control, and patience, qualities essential for success in high-pressure sports.
Ferrer’s experience as a player has equipped him with the expertise to guide his team to victory.
Optimized Keywords: David Ferrer, tennis, coach, captain, Davis Cup, Spanish team, Godó management, Sergi Bruguera, Málaga, tennis philosophy, balance, emotional control, patience, high-pressure sports.
