Spain captain David Ferrer explains Carlos Alcaraz absence at Davis Cup

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David Ferrer has revealed that he did not call up Carlos Alcaraz to Spain’s squad for the Davis Cup in order to protect the 20-year-old after a gruelling season. Alcaraz has established himself as Novak Djokovic’s closest contender over the last 12 months, following up his US Open triumph in 2022 by winning Wimbledon earlier this year.

Alcaraz came close to defending his US Open title at Flushing Meadows but was beaten in the semi-finals by Daniil Medvedev, who went on to lose to Djokovic in Sunday’s final. The young Spaniard will now be able to take a well-deserved break after it was confirmed that he will not be playing for Spain in this month’s Davis Cup.

Ferrer has explained that Alcaraz was not considered for selection to allow him to rest after a demanding year, with the decision being taken to prevent him from picking up any injuries or suffering from burnout.

“I talked to him and his team throughout the US Open,” said Ferrer. “I was there and watched most of his games, but it is true that he ended up very tired, with some physical problems.

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“As soon as the semi-final against Medvedev finished, I spoke with them and Juan Carlos asked me that, for the sake of his health and his rest, it was best not to come. From there, I don’t want to talk about this topic anymore because Carlos is not going to be with us. I prefer to talk about my players, the good atmosphere there is and how we are working.”

Alcaraz recently revealed on X, formerly Twitter, that he would not be taking part in the Davis Cup in order to protect his body. He went on to send a good-luck message to the rest of the Spanish team, who will be hoping to beat defending champions Canada to the grand prize.

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“I was really looking forward to playing for Spain at the Davis Cup in Valencia, but I have to listen to my body after a very long tour,” wrote Alcaraz, who will be replaced in the squad by Albert Ramos-Vinolas.

“I need to stop and rest, physically and mentally. The schedule is very demanding, there is still a long season ahead, and now it’s time to recharge my batteries. Best of luck to the Spanish team! I will be supporting you strongly! Let’s go!”

Rafael Nadal will also be absent from the Spain squad at the Davis Cup as he continues to recover from a long-term injury sustained at the Australian Open in January. The group stages will take place this week in Bologna, Manchester, Valencia and Split, with the top two teams from each group qualifying for the knockout phase in Malaga later this year.

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