Ferrer: "It's the toughest group of them all, there's no favorite"

Streaming Challenger Olbia live tennis

🎾 David Pichler vs Steven Diez

* You can watch and bet on this match live here..

The Davis Cup is back on our screens with the group stage being held, and this time, we are interested in what happens in Valencia. Once again, we will have David Ferrer's team fighting at La Fonteta, where Carlos Alcaraz will also return after not participating last season. Although only Pablo Carreño was missing from the press conference, most questions were directed at the captain and the player from Murcia. Here are their words to start building the preview of a competition that will see us face off against the Czech Republic, France, and Australia.

DAVID FERRER

"It's the toughest group of them all, we know that. Last year was already a great battle against the Czech Republic, where the result wasn't as expected. Each season is different from the previous one, and we also have a different team, but we know the week will be challenging. We take it step by step, I have confidence in my team, and playing in Valencia is a plus with the support of the crowd. It will be a big challenge, for sure."

"I've seen the team in very good shape, a great atmosphere which is always crucial, so in that aspect, I am very grateful that they have committed to being here. I am well aware that the schedule is tight with time zone changes and travels; many of them have played a lot of matches in 2024, so I thank them for being here. We are very excited about how things will go, and if not, it's okay, it doesn't change anything for us."

"The conditions are very good, the court is in a good place, I think two years ago it was very fast, and last year a bit slow. As a former player, I would say the team is comfortable under these conditions. We need the support of La Fonteta, our people; the atmosphere is perfect. Here, they provide us with all possible facilities, the city treats us very well, so we can only be grateful."

"Experience can help; we have players with a lot of it and who are also very good, regardless of their age. Starting with Marcel, who is currently the world No. 1 in doubles. Roberto and Pablo have had injuries, but they come in with match rhythm; they are winners, something you can't train, it's something you possess. In that aspect, I am at ease, which is a positive thing."

CARLOS ALCARAZ

"I arrived two days ago, but this season, I feel the conditions somewhat different than two seasons ago, both the court and the balls. I would say I prefer it this year; the ball moves a bit faster, and I have confidence in what may happen. I am looking forward to Wednesday to face the Czech Republic; I have a lot of confidence and feel ready for the challenge."

"It's been a tour that I hoped to perform better on, but I haven't managed to play matches or reach the level I would have liked. It's very difficult to perform at your 100% every day; this is tennis, and anything can happen; you have to be prepared to accept things as they come. As the days and weeks passed, talking with the team, we concluded that what I lacked was preparation. I had a very intense summer with Roland Garros, Wimbledon, and the Olympics, with few days of rest and disconnection. Few days to prepare and train for the tour, I couldn't train as much as I would have liked to arrive in New York in the best possible way. It's an experience from which I will learn in the future."

"Now we are in a good place, very excited, motivated to play the Davis Cup, especially here in Valencia, at home, something we are not very used to. I am really looking forward to feeling the love of the people and to experience another Davis Cup, which I haven't been able to be part of many times. Mentally, I approach it with a lot of enthusiasm, motivated to keep training and improving for what lies ahead. Physically, I have worked well since losing in New York to be in optimal condition for this Davis Cup and whatever comes next."

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Ferrer: “Es el grupo más difícil de todos, no hay favorito”