David Ferrer And Rafael Nadal Friends Forever

Written by: Staff on 10th June 2013

David Ferrer And Rafael Nadal Friends Forever |

David Ferrer has played in Rafael Nadal s shadow for many years, but that’s doesn’t mean that he doesn’t like and admire Spanish compatriot and Davis Cup teammate. Nadal and his uncle Toni are among Ferrer s biggest supporters, as well as defenders against those who say that the 31-year-old Spaniard is over rated.

Rafa Nadal and Ferrer have spent a lot of time together both in Davis Cup and on tour. They first met at a Challenger in Seville in 2001 and Ferrer was impressed. I remember he played against Israel Matos, I remember perfectly, the 31-year-old Ferrer told El Pais. Rafa was not like he is now, he was a kid– 14 or 15 years old. He was given a wild card and won that match against a player who at the time was much stronger physically than he, who was faster. You saw Rafa fought for court position, this little guy … I was really surprised by the mentality he had. He still has the same mentality. It’s just as good.

He never gave up. That’s something I’ve learned from him.

Ferrer and Nadal have played many David Cup ties together, but his favorite memory was from the 2011 final when Spain overcame Argentina 3-1. Feliciano Lopez and Fernando Verdasco also played on that team.

On a personal and team level it was something nice, he said . We got along. To Rafa everything is easier, but I think it was a team whose success was born in that we got along well. In that environment. the group works well. I remember the confidence I’ve always had with Rafa. To know that when I won my match [over Juan Martin Del Potro on Friday] I had the comfort of knowing that he would win his. Many times he was tired, he looked tired, remember [Nadal s match against Del Potro on Sunday] his shoulder and knee hurt, I saw him and I said Wow the poor guy is exhausted and yet he gave 100 percent and won. It’s easy to have a such a good player at your side.

Rafa is the same both on the outside and inside. He has always treated us as equals.

Ferrer lost in straight set to Nadal in the final of Roland Garros, but before that match, he mentioned that his three-set loss to his friend in Madrid as the most painful defeat because he was two points from victory.

There was also in Rome in 2005, a semifinal, where I was also close, he said. But in Madrid I was closer, with a point [Nadal got a little lucky on] to have two match points and then you think and you have a little trouble. It was painful, but there have been tougher losses. I can say at the 2012 Olympics [with Feliciano Lopez as his doubles partner where they let go of four match points for a medal], and the final of 2013 Miami [where on a match point against Andy Murray in the final he stopped the point because he thought a ball was out, but was overruled and then lost the match]. Those were really hard. I had trouble sleeping, something that usually does not happen to me.

©Daily Tennis News Wire

Topics: David Ferrer, Davis Cup, French Open, Rafael Nadal, Spanish tennis news, Sports, Tennis News