David Ferrer: “I expect a very difficult qualifying round”

The Spanish captain of Davis Cup, David Ferrerpointed out in a press conference in the group stage that will begin this Tuesday at Valencia and where it will be measured Serbia, Czech Republic and South Koreaexpected a “very difficult” qualifying round and not only with the Serbians, whom he described as “a priori, stronger” rivals.

“I expect a very tough qualifying round because there are very good teams. Czech Republic may not be known to the general public either, but they have very dangerous players and we need to be very focused for this first round. Serbia, a priori, is the toughest opponent but I can’t forget Korea either. Hyeon (Chung) gave us a hard time last year and has good doubles, which in this new format is important,” he explained.

About the absence of Carlos Alcarazindicated: “I have spoken to him in New York and he is mentally exhausted, played a lot of games and also had some minor physical problems. After the semifinals, I spoke with his coach Ferrero and they decided that for his health and rest it was best not to go.”

Despite Alcaraz’s heavy defeat, the captain assured: “We will compete and have our chances to qualify for the finals. I have a lot of confidence in the team and I know that we will have a good match. We worked well these days. “There is a very good atmosphere, we have a very good team and we are ready.”

Ferrer emphasized that playing at home at this stage of the tournament is an advantage and not an added pressure. “It’s always better to play at home than away.”, have your audience and in Valencia they are very passionate, as seen last year. “I am excited that the players will be able to play here because they will receive maximum support,” he stressed.

Ferrer will captain for the first time this group stage in Valencia, a city where he also played in his last Davis Cup match, and where last year he was tournament director.

Finally, he pointed out a little time that the players who will go away from the United States Open need to be in good shape during these stages of the Davis group.

“It’s something that happened before with the previous format and it’s not easy, the schedule is always tight. Nor I know what changes may occur. I hope this competition has more space in the calendar so that the best can be there. “I would give the format more than the calendar some changes to be more attractive to the public, such as playing on the weekend, because during the week it is more difficult for people to attend, because they are working,” he concluded.