Former French Open finalist David Ferrer admits that he now plays tennis ‘without expectations’ as he indicates a potential retirement from the sport by next year.
The 36-year-old has fuelled speculation about his future during what has been a roller-coaster 2018 for him. Ferrer has only managed to win nine matches this year and hasn’t achieved back-to-back victories since the Auckland Open in January. In May Ferrer welcomed his first child and openly admits that he finds it difficult to cope with parenthood whilst on the tour. This week is the first time Ferrer has dropped out of the world’s top 60 since 2004.
“Being a father is very nice, a very good feeling, but it also has its bad sides. I am very amused that many parents just talk about the loveliness. It is also hard and sacrificial, especially at this level.” He said during an interview with El Espanol on May 28th.
On Thursday Ferrer spoke about his future during an interview with Spanish radio sports show El Larguero. Openly admitting that there is ‘no doubt’ that his career is coming to an end. Ferrer has won 27 titles on the ATP Tour and has played in 62 grand slam main draws. He also helped Spain win the Davis cup title in 2008, 2009 and 2011.
“A part of me is leaving, now I play without expectations, I notice that this journey of my life is coming to an end.” Ferrer told El Larguero.
It now appears that the Spaniard is in the process of gradually winding up his career. Revealing that he is concerned about the state of his Achilles. No retirement date has been set, but it appears that he could occur during the European clay court swing in 2019.
“Next year I’ll play some invitational tournaments, the ones I like the most, and I’ll see where and when I retire.” The former world No.3 explained.
Ferrer has confirmed an end date for his career on the Challenger circuit. In October he will play in the Monterey Open in Mexico after receiving an invite. It will be his last taste of playing in the main draw of a Challenger event. Should he win, it would be the first time he has won a title in that category since 2002.
“I want to live this US Open as if it was my last Grand Slam. Then we’ll see, I’d like to retire in Spain, either in the Godó (Barcelona Open) or in Madrid (Masters).” He concluded.
Ferrer is currently the third oldest player in the top 100 on the ATP World Tour. Only Roger Federer and Julien Benneteau was born before him.
The Spaniard will play in Toronto and Cincinnati prior to the US Open.
Ferrer’s career in brief
- 27 ATP titles won (1 Masters 1000, 10 ATP 500 and 16 ATP 250)
- Best grand slam performance was runner-up at the 2013 French Open
- One of only four active players to have achieved 700 or more wins on the tour. His record currently stands at 726-367
- Has ended seven seasons in the top 10 (2007, 2010-1015)
- Only Federer and Rafael Nadal has spent more consecutive weeks in the top 50 than Ferrer.
