Ferrer on Nadal: "The most important thing is that Rafa is happy and proud".

With Spain eliminated in the Davis Cup quarter-finals against the Netherlands, Rafael Nadal is now retired.

In a press conference, the Majorcan explained why David Ferrer decided to play him in the first match.

The captain also gave his version of events. Above all, he talked about Nadal, who played the last match of his career against van de Zandschulp.

"Rafa improved day by day. On Monday, I had decided that he would play the singles and Marcel Granollers the doubles.

It's not easy because I had several options, like Roberto Bautista-Agut, but in the end I decided to bet on them for this first elimination match," Ferrer told Punto De Break.

David Ferrer talks about Rafael Nadal's retirement

"Seeing Rafa go is very sad, it's not just anyone in the world of sport who goes. We'll always remember him.

Over and above our friendship, he was a world-renowned player who left his mark.
The most important thing is that Rafa is happy, proud and calm, and that he feels privileged.

Such a great person, with such respect and humility towards everyone, is hard to find," he assures us.

Having retired from the ATP circuit in 2019, Ferrer believes that Nadal will not have a hard time coping with the fact of no longer being a professional: "Every player experiences retirement differently.

In my case, I've lived it well, honestly. As far as Rafa is concerned, I think it will be the same. He'll be happy and will have a lot to do. He's a great ambassador and he owes it all to tennis.