As a player, Juan Carlos Ferrero was Davis’ champion and now, as a coach, he watches over the destiny of what is expected to be the great leader of post-Nadal Spain. The Valencian prepares Carlos Alcaraz, who after winning the NextGen ATP Finals will be in the next Madrid Finals (from November 25 to December 5), and has granted an interview to the organization of the event in which, among other things , talks about his relationship with the young Murcian star.
How are you experiencing everything that is happening to you right now with Carlos Alcaraz? What does it represent to you after the enormous career you had as a player?
I’m very happy. Three years ago I started an adventure with someone who was a child having the opportunity to coach great players who were already established. I decided to bet on this project because of how I saw his tennis, but mainly because of how I saw him as a person. We have a great bond and these triumphs give me great joy and desire for more. Much motivation to continue.
Will you be with Carlos and the Spanish team in Madrid?
I will be in Madrid. My Academy has two players in the Spanish team and Samuel (López, Pablo Carreño’s coach) and I will be supporting them throughout the tournament, and trying to make the whole team do their best.
What advice are you going to give Carlos with a view to Davis, taking into account his vast experience in the competition?
Davis is a competition in which there is a lot of pressure. You have to enjoy being there. Anyway, I think Carlos is a player who likes these situations and if they give him the opportunity he will show it. Even more so playing in Spain.
Did you ever imagine returning to Davis as coach of one of the players?
Davis Cup is a very special competition for me. The first Davis was one of the best moments of my career and I have always wanted to play it again, although I did not think it would be in this role, with which of course I am delighted.
How would you briefly describe what Davis Cup was like for you?
The Davis Cup have always been very intense weeks with rivals who were also colleagues and friends, and more in those weeks. It was a very positive coexistence in which we played and represented the whole country, whether it was your turn to play or you were supporting from the bench.
What can we expect from Group A in these Davis Cup by Rakuten Finals with Spain, the Russian Tennis Federation and Ecuador?
It is a difficult group. The tie with Russia is going to be especially tough. We will have to play at 200%.
Who do you think are the favorites to win the Davis Cup this year?
We are going with a good team despite the absence of Rafa. I think Russia and Italy have a very complete team with several Top10s and Serbia, having Djokovic, will also be there. Anyway, at Davis anything can always happen.