Spain finds its new heroes in Chile: "They have demonstrated superior maturity"

Fernando Murciego - 19 Sep 2026 | 23:25
ATP Copa Davis 2026 David Ferrer Dani Mérida Rafael Jódar España

After signing an immaculate Saturday on the court, David Ferrer praised Dani Mérida and Rafa Jódar after seeing them debut with a victory in the Davis Cup. Thanks to them, Spain is just one step away from the goal.

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David Ferrer praises the debuts of Mérida and Jódar in the Davis Cup: "They have shown to have superior maturity." Source: Luis Sevilla

Dani Mérida and Rafa Jódar could never have imagined a better debut in Davis Cup. The two from Madrid faced their first tie with Spain this afternoon, as visitors against a crowd that turned the Santiago court into a high-pressure stage. However, both responded with victories, leaving the Spanish team just one point away from the Final Phase in Bologna.

Mérida had to come back against Alejandro Tabilo after losing the first set but found the necessary calm to turn the match around. “At first, I was very nervous; the whole crowd was cheering for him, but we knew that at the start of the match. I’m happy to see how I managed to calm down and turn the match around, especially with how I played the second and third sets. It was very important to get this first point for Spain,” he explained afterward.

The No. 41 in the ranking acknowledged that the battle was particularly demanding mentally. “He took the first set, I got angry because I had my chances, but I knew I could turn it around if I believed in myself and waited for the opportunities. The match was very hard mentally; there was a moment when I felt at my limit, when I couldn't break his serve, until everything started to change in my favor at the end of the second set.” He also highlighted David Ferrer's role: “Having David Ferrer on the bench has been a huge help, he supported me all the time, showing me his confidence; he is a legend,” he added.

Jódar, for his part, had an even more convincing debut against Cristian Garín and acknowledged that his teammate's victory helped him face his own debut. “It’s very special to have my father with me this week; he has helped me a lot. I remember watching many Davis Cup ties with my family. That kid Rafa Jódar dreamed of debuting one day with the Spanish team, so I’m very happy,” he stated.

The young Spaniard also emphasized the message received before stepping onto the court. “Every match is difficult; that's what the captain conveyed to us yesterday, that a Davis Cup match is different from any other match on the circuit, especially when you're the visitor. Cristian Garín is a great player; luckily, Dani won the first point, and that helped me. We were both mentally prepared, and that helped both Dani and me a lot,” explained the player from Leganés.

David Ferrer, happy after the debut of Mérida and Jódar

Ferrer, as happy as ever, wanted to temper any euphoria after this great start. “It has been a great result; we are leaving today with the tie 2-0 up, but we haven't achieved anything yet. We have won a battle, but tomorrow we start again; that’s what I want to convey to the players,” he emphasized. The captain also celebrated the response of his two debutants: “I am very pleased with the debut of Dani and Rafa; they have shown a maturity beyond their years.”

And there was space for gratitude to the Chilean crowd, which Ferrer knows well. “I am very grateful to the Chilean crowd for their recognition; I have great memories here in Chile; they have behaved very well at all times, always with respect and courtesy. This is something that the entire Spanish team values greatly,” he concluded at the press conference.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, España encuentra a sus nuevos héroes en Chile: "Han demostrado una madurez superior"