David Ferrer: “I know Nadal’s honesty, whether he feels capable of competing or not”

David Ferrer is in his second season as the captain of the national team for the Davis Cup. Spain returns to the Final Eight in Málaga from November 19 to 24, which will mark Rafael Nadal’s official farewell from the courts. ‘Ferru’ talks to MARCA about the team’s prospects and the special significance of bringing Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz together in the same squad.

Question: When you took charge of the team, one of your dreams was to have Nadal and Alcaraz together, and that dream will come true at the Martín Carpena.

Answer: At first glance, it seemed difficult due to the differing goals of each player. While I am saddened by Rafa’s retirement, I am also extremely excited to share this moment with him and the rest of the Davis Cup team.

Q: You have won three silver salad bowls alongside Nadal. What do you think defines him as a Davis Cup player?

A: He is selfless, and when a person is selfless, it means they are a team player. Every time I’ve played Davis Cup with Rafa, he has been the first to step up and support the team. He is a silent leader, which is vital to me.

I am saddened by Rafa’s retirement, but I am excited to share this moment with him.

Q: As captain, does it give you peace of mind knowing that if Nadal does not feel ready to play, he will be the first to step aside?

A: Yes, absolutely. Many times I hear comments like, ‘what a tough situation you’ve got.’ I reply that it’s a blessing. It’s true that in the end, I’m the captain and need to make decisions. I trust Rafa a lot because I have spent my whole career alongside him and I know his honesty regarding whether he feels capable of competing. My intention, after discussing it with him, is that he is ready to play.

Q: After announcing the first list of convocations at the end of September, you mentioned that you planned for him to play singles. Has your idea changed after the ‘Six Kings Slam’ in Riyadh?

A: I don’t know, he’s training. I spoke with Rafa on Wednesday, and I am also in constant contact with his coach Carlos Moyá and his agent Carlos Costa. They update me daily. I will decide in Málaga when I see how he is training. The same will happen with the other players. If Nadal is training well and is fit, he is definitely an option.

Rafa has always been the first to step up and support others during the Davis Cup.

Q: When will you decide what his role will be in the team?

A: I will know who will play two or three days in advance. Typically, I decide the team three days prior, so the players can mentally prepare. That has always been my way of working. In Málaga, because of Rafa, we can always expect a little more time. But I think I’ll be quite clear two or three days before.

Q: Is it a disadvantage that Spain debuts on Tuesday, November 19, two days after the ATP Finals in Turin, where Alcaraz and Marcel Granollers are competing?

A: I was not entirely convinced about it. The fact that you have two key players in Turin with a chance of winning the Masters, arriving later than usual, and then playing on Tuesday is not ideal, to be honest.

Q: You will travel to Turin to follow Alcaraz and Marcel’s matches live?

A: I will go for three days, watch them, and talk with them a bit. I also have ATP meetings. I will return early because we will concentrate in Málaga on November 14.

Typically, I decide the team three days beforehand, so the players know.

Q: Will you get emotional watching Nadal play for the last time? Do you think you will end up crying?

A: I don’t know; I didn’t cry when I retired from tennis, but I might for Rafa. It excites me a lot to see Rafa do well, as a friend. I would be very pleased if he finishes happy and succeeds. Does that mean winning? Yes, it does, but not for me, rather for everything he deserves after all he has achieved. The thing is, it’s something beyond your control. What happens in Málaga won’t change his life or his career. However, personally, I would like him to leave tennis with a good taste in his mouth.

Q: Would the perfect movie ending be Spain winning the Davis Cup with a decisive point from Nadal?

A: The perfect movie ending is winning, but that’s something we can’t control. With this format of competition, everything is very balanced. As long as Rafa is well and has that desire to compete, I will be satisfied.

Q: You have played many matches against him, as many as 32. Did you ever imagine that one day you would give him instructions from the coaching chair?

A: It’s true that I am four to five years older than him, and you never know what can happen. Clearly, my career has evolved since I retired: I became a coach, a tournament director, and now the Davis Cup captain. I have this opportunity. If someone had told me that six years ago, I would have thought it complicated; now, it seems possible. I’m happy and feel lucky to be able to experience these moments and be close during such special times.

Q: Are you satisfied with the current form of Alcaraz, Roberto Bautista, and Granollers?

A: The three are coming to the end of the year in great shape. I’m happy for Roberto, who has been finishing well. I believe the Davis Cup has positively impacted him, giving him confidence from the two crucial victories he achieved. Carlos has had an excellent year. There are always better and worse moments, but he is a consolidated player who will always be there. As for Marcel, I always say he is like the captain, the player who is always there and an essential asset for us, who has taken on some responsibility to be the team’s sacred cow.

Q: Do you see any favorites in the Final Eight in Málaga?

A: Everything is very balanced, but perhaps Italy and the United States are the most complete. They have strong number ones, twos, and doubles players.

Q: The doubles point is often crucial with the new format. Is your luck that you can make multiple combinations?

A: Yes, having Rafa and Carlos, who can play with Marcel, provides two very good alternatives. The fifth player I call up will also have the option to play doubles.

Q: From what you’re saying, are you considering playing doubles with Granollers and a partner?

A: The reality is that I don’t know, but my idea is that Marcel will surely play doubles.

Nadal would be a perfect captain because he loves this competition.

Q: Do you see Nadal as a perfect captain for the Davis Cup in the future?

A: Absolutely. Rafa can do whatever he wants and would be a great Davis Cup captain because he loves this competition. Given his humility as a great player, he would be an excellent captain. He will bring so much to the young players and has the personality, which is important for sitting in the chair.

Q: Playing at home, with Alcaraz and Nadal, adds that extra pressure of having to aim for victory?

A: I believe it’s always better to have that extra pressure. It’s Rafa’s last tournament, and everyone wants to be there. That motivation and desire to go as far as possible is vital. It’s always better to play at home with the crowd behind you. Is it pressure? That’s part of the sport, and we have to accept it. Winning or losing will not change the players’ careers. What will change is that it will be a different year due to what Rafa Nadal represents.