“They’re very even and it comes down to small details” – David Ferrer on the Djokovic-Alcaraz rivalry and Jannik Sinner’s potential
David Ferrer, former Roland Garros runner-up, believes that every true tennis fan wants to see another Alcaraz – Djokovic match
David Ferrer, Davis Cup 2019 – © Zuma / Panoramic
It’s only the second round of the US Open, but even before the draw, the talk of the tennis world was the prospect of another final in which Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz would face, just like at Wimbledon and in Cincinnati.
Among many familiar faces at Flushing Meadows, one person was standing out – former world No 3 David Ferrer, also the current captain of the Spanish Davis Cup team.
In an exclusive interview with Tennis Majors, Ferrer spoke about the men’s draw at the ongoing US Open, the epic Cincinnati final between Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic, the Serb’s longevity and the improvements of Jannik Sinner amongst other things.
Tennis Majors: Who has a more demanding path to the final – Djokovic or Alcaraz?
David Ferrer: I’d say that the draw is opening up nicely, but Djokovic’s part has opened up a bit more, since some of the favorites have lost. My opinion is that Alcaraz’s road is a bit more complicated.
Tennis Majors: Alcaraz is due to play Jannik Sinner in the quarterfinals, just like last year when they played arguably the best match of the season. In case they meet again, how do you see it playing out?
David Ferrer: I feel that they’re pretty even. Carlos has already proven his abilities and his capacity by winning two Grand Slam titles, but Sinner won in Toronto and I think that he is ready to win his first major too. With Djokovic, Alcaraz and Sinner stand out (compared to others).
If he improves small details, he is going to be one hell of a player
David Ferrer on Jannik Sinner
Tennis Majors: What do you think Sinner is missing in order to take his game to another level?
David Ferrer: He is getting better each year. Perhaps physically he hasn’t developed as quickly as Carlos, but he is on the right path. Jannik’s future is bright since there is a lot of room for progress in his game – above all, going to the net and serving. If he improves small details, he is going to be one hell of a player.
Tennis Majors: 11 years ago, you faced Djokovic in the semifinal here at the US Open. Back then, could you have imagined that he would last this long?
David Ferrer: Well, I knew that he was a special player and I saw that he was different compared to others in terms of taking care of his body and in his progressive way of thinking – Novak is always looking for ways to improve.
I don’t know whether I thought that he would reach these heights, but I did think that he could become one of the best players in the history of the game.
Tennis Majors: For how long do you see Djokovic playing at this level?
David Ferrer: Without a doubt, I think that Novak can go on like this for two or three more years.
Tennis Majors: What were your impressions about the Cincinanati final between Djokovic and Alcaraz?
David Ferrer: I watched it, of course. In their matches, margins are always so small and I think that’s why every true tennis fan wants to see them play each other. In Cinncinati Djokovic refused to break mentally.
At Wimbledon, it was the opposite – Novak had the chances and wasn’t able to win in the end. This time around, Carlos had his chance when Novak struggled physically, but then Novak managed to rise above those problems, just like great champions do.
Tennis Majors: Lastly, when Carlos and Novak face each other, what are the keys to victory for each of them?
David Ferrer: They’re very even and it comes down to small details. Carlos changes the equation in his favor when he takes over the initiative in points. If he’s not able to do that and to put Novak under pressure…
Djokovic is a bit more consistent in rallies and when it comes to timing of the shots, but when Carlos is able to hit with great speed and come forward, that’s when he can hurt Djokovic.
