Watching David Ferrer play, makes you want to get out on the court and hit! His focus, high level of energy, positive attitude and great movement make you feel a rush to pick up your racket and start to run!

As a great fan of Ferrer, I cheered him on as a player who is not among the tall giants who dominate the game. Instead he is tenacious and persistent, and a great role model for players who are not physically imposing or lack significant power. His speed, defensive prowess and fighting spirit compensate greatly for what he may lack in height or powerful shots.  His style of play has been compared by some to that the former No. 1, and US Open and Wimbledon champion Lleyton Hewitt of Australia.

The other reason to be part of Ferrer’s fan club is his humility. He is down-to-earth and extremely humble. Always placing himself behind many of his rivals, players he respects and is friendly with. In a recent interview with Bruno Balleste, David Ferrer stated that he does not see himself as a real legend of the game, he said: “Legends like Bjorn Borg, John McEnroe, Rafa Nadal, Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic won several Grand Slams, not just one. But to be a legend, you cannot win just one Grand Slam. That does not mean I was not a great player because I was and I consider myself a great talented player.”

Ferrer never acts up on the court, never argues and never displays negative reactions. He is always steady, always energetic and plays every single point as the most important of the match.

David Ferrer turned professional in 2000, and reached his highest ranking of No. 3 back in 2013, when he got to the French Open final. In the same year, he also reached the semifinals at the Australian Open and the US Open. In the first years of his career, he was known as a clay-court specialist; however, he has had significant success on all surfaces, winning 27 titles in all. A three-time Davis Cup champion with Spain, Ferrer has won tournaments at all levels (ATP 250, ATP 500, Masters 1000) except at a Grand Slam. Many refer to him as one of the best players not to have won a Grand Slam tournament.

And now, after a long and successful career, David Ferrer has announced he will retire after competing in the ATP 1000 Masters Madrid, at 37.  He is looking towards the next chapter in his career. A regular Davis Cup competitor, with a 28-5 record in singles, he likes to stay involved with the event.

“I would be very proud to be able to be Davis Cup captain,” he said.  “I also understand that this is very far away and there are players who are ahead. First, I have to train as a professional in coaching.”

Even as he is talking about his future plans, he shows the same positive spirit and humility that have marked his career.

In response to a question on what he would miss the most, he didn’t respond the wins, but the affection he had received from the public.

He will be sorely missed by the public as a player, but we look forward to seeing him as the Davis Cup captain for Spain.

Read more about Ferrer here:

Ferrer: “In The End, All You Have Left Is The Person”

David Ferrer: ‘Federer, Nadal, Djokovic are legends. I am not’

Ferrer Hoping to be Spain’s Davis Cup Captain After Retirement

Tennistory: Celebrating Ferrer’s 19 Years on ATP Tour