The Spanish team asserts itself in Bologna: "We are here thanks to this group, we must give ourselves credit"

Carlos Navarro | 18 Nov 2025 | 16.57

The Spanish team, at the press conference prior to the Bolonia Final. Source: Carlos Navarro/Puntodebreak.

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The news spread like wildfire and put the entire Spanish press on alert. Carlos Alcaraz, out of action: Spain will have to present itself in Bologna without its world number one, with a team almost identical to the one that achieved a historic comeback against Denmark in Marbella. How to deal with such a blow, especially considering the enthusiasm that Carlos had to make his mark in this competition at last?

From less to more. In crescendo. That was the response of a Spain that relies everything on that team feeling to vindicate, on a group that resorts to the magic of the old Davis Cup, which enveloped supposed "second swords" and catapulted them to hero status. David Ferrer, captain and center of attention, began the press conference with a certain sense of still assimilating the blow... but gained confidence as the responses progressed, supported by his gladiators who, undoubtedly, convey a very clear message: there is unity, enthusiasm, and desire to achieve something great, even without the world number one.

David Ferrer explains how the withdrawals of Alcaraz and Munar, Granollers, or Carreño show optimism and confidence regarding the Spanish possibilities

- Team situation after the injury of Carlos Alcaraz and the current team status

FERRER: "Carlos had an edema that he had been carrying from Turin; he aggravated it in the final. They came yesterday, had an MRI, and Carlos, after discussing it with his medical team, our medical team, Ángel Cotorro, decided that the risk was too high, and, of course, the medical team's decision is final. It's a shame, of course, for the team: not having the world number one is something we feel, we know that. But we are here: we are in the Finals thanks to all of them, and that is what I want to emphasize. They will compete, and we will have our chances. Yesterday was a tough day because he won't be with us, but today I see the light again. I have faith, I have confidence that we can do good things."

- How they found out about Carlos withdrawing from the tournament and how the farewell was

MARCEL: "We knew that Carlos had problems because we watched the Turin match. The MRI was late; they spoke with David at night. I was already asleep, so I found out this morning."

MUNAR: "I, exactly the same. Yesterday we saw Carlos, greeted him, knew he had tests ahead, and went to sleep. Later, I assume they spoke with David; I found out this morning because I was already asleep too."

CARREÑO: "David did send me a message before I went to sleep, telling me to be ready, although the truth is I was already prepared (smiles). I am prepared for this tie. It was important news, undoubtedly, and this morning we learned a bit more about how it all went. We didn't see Carlos this morning as we left early to train; we did say goodbye to Juan Carlos this morning at the hotel."

- Motivation after this incident: Can we draw on the spirit of Mar del Plata? What other victories can serve as great motivation?

- GRANOLLERS: "I was part of the team in Mar del Plata. I couldn't play, but it was one of the strongest experiences I've ever had. David was on the team, and we lived an amazing atmosphere. I believe each of us knows we are good players, capable of competing in any situation: tennis is a sport where you step on the court, it's one-on-one, doubles two-on-two, but anything can happen, we are prepared. We are together and will support each other in everything."

- MUNAR: "All I can say is that obviously we would have liked Carlos to be here; it may seem that our team is weaker now, but the reality is that I have a lot of confidence in all of them. Today we had a fantastic practice; I am happy and excited to share this with all of them, the atmosphere is great, and as Marcel mentioned, in tennis, it's about stepping on the court and proving who is better. I have confidence in my abilities and theirs; we will have chances, no doubt. I personally feel that I am in a very good moment, and they have shown what they are capable of. Instead of focusing on what we don't have, we should hold on to what we do have, which is fantastic."

- FERRER: "Not only Mar del Plata: I remember two months ago, we were two-zero down and a set down, and these players made it happen. Players who already have this experience in the Davis Cup, like Jaume or Pedro: if we are in the Finals, it's thanks to them, for the commitment they have shown and their excellent way of competing; then, we have two players who already know what it is to win the Davis Cup, like Pablo, who in Marbella, in a match tied at 2-2, under tremendous pressure, is able to handle it because of that experience, and after the injury, he has returned from hell to his best level. Lastly, Marcel: in Mar del Plata, he was a rookie, but now he is a different player. This year he has won two Grand Slams and, for me, he is the team's leader. I would say that this year is different from last year, even though he had already gained that importance."

- Media treatment of this type of news: It seems that after Alcaraz's withdrawal, we forget about them... What does that generate in the player?

CARREÑO: "Ultimately, that's a question for you. Nobody knows why we are treated like that (smiles). It's obvious that Carlos is number one and the best player, but if we dedicate ourselves to this and play all year, I would say we're not doing that bad either (laughs). Many people in our country, where tennis is an important sport but does not compare to football, perhaps many people, I'm not saying they don't know us, but some almost mock. Yes, the team's level drops, but we are talking about a competition where the top eight countries in the world are present, and here we are almost all those who are here now. I think we should give ourselves some credit."

- Had the captain envisioned different scenarios or strategies in case of a possible injury to Alcaraz?

FERRER: "No, we hadn't planned anything different because we trusted he would be there. In the match against Jannik Sinner, he improved; that overload increased. When Carlos came yesterday, he was fine; we thought he could be with us, but what we saw in the MRI shows that this is the situation. Carlos returned home today to rest after a long tour and an important tournament in Turin; he has given encouragement to the whole team."

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, El equipo español se reivindica en Bolonia: "Estamos aquí gracias a este grupo, debemos darnos crédito"