Simply saying 'mission accomplished' would be an understatement for Spain's role in their latest Davis Cup tie. They had to play away from home, with some key absences, against Switzerland, who despite not boasting renowned names on the circuit, had chosen conditions that could level the playing field. The final result, 1-3 in favor of the visiting team, leaves a great taste in the mouth of the squad led by David Ferrer. The journey back home will be sweet, thinking about the chances of also defeating Denmark in the next phase in September. But first, it's worth hearing from our protagonists to understand the merit of what has happened this weekend in Biel.
PEDRO MARTÍNEZ
"I feel a lot of satisfaction right now. I believe that at the beginning of the week, none of us thought this tie would end with the doubles on Sunday, so I couldn't be happier with the final result. Winning all three matches is something very special; we avoided facing higher tension moments this Sunday. The level was good, we played a very good doubles match, and it has helped Spain secure the victory."
"It is very positive for both of us to have played together in some previous tournaments, especially when it comes to communicating off the court, where everything becomes easier. Having synergy with a partner you already know will always be easier than playing with someone with whom you don't have as much relationship; the dynamic is always colder. Jaume and I know each other very well, both personally and in tennis terms; we know how to support each other, which adds a lot to the partnership."
"None of the team's players had much experience in this competition, so this weekend will surely help us a lot in the future. In my case, it's true that I may have played a bit more, but I had never experienced what it's like to compete in an away tie. Starting with the first point is always tough, but so was going into today's doubles match knowing we could seal the series; both situations carry additional pressure. I believe that everything one achieves here can later help in the circuit."
JAUME MUNAR
"This moment is very special, both for the team in general and for me personally. I think it is a fantastic victory for everyone, but sharing it with a group like this makes it even more beautiful. With Roberto (Carballés), for example, it's someone with whom I've shared many moments of my career, but especially with Pedro (Martínez), with whom I coincided in the under-12, under-14 categories, and so on until winning the Junior Davis Cup. We continued with the under-16 tournaments, the majority of the under-18 events; we've practically been together since we started in tennis. This marks a full circle because we've already been together in Grand Slams and the Olympics; it's amazing."
"We by no means expected something like this; in fact, when it comes to an away tie, you always prepare for the toughest and most challenging scenario. Obviously, any tie can be difficult, but we knew from the beginning that we had very good players and a very solid team. It turned out that way, but everyone knows the nerves you experience when playing this competition and the extent to which a tie can get complicated. The team's performance deserves a lot of credit; leaving with a 3-0 from any Davis Cup tie is very challenging, but we achieved it."
DAVID FERRER
"It has been a very good weekend; everything went perfectly. We won the tie 3-0, and even though we lost the fourth point, the series was already decided. I am very happy for the team and to see how each one has been fully involved in this experience on all levels. I am thrilled to have passed a tie that was tricky; it wasn't easy."
"The friendship among players is very helpful; the fact that the team knows each other and there is a good atmosphere is fundamental. In the end, my experience tells me that to win the Davis Cup, or at least to be up there fighting for it, an essential requirement besides having good players is to have a good atmosphere among them. This always enhances the chances of success."
"Personally, I am content; it is my first away tie as captain, and we have passed it. Against all odds, it turned out better than expected. Denmark in September? [...] I don't know, honestly. We've just finished now, and I want to enjoy a little more; things will be clearer when September comes."
This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, David Ferrer: “Nos ha salido todo perfecto”

