GUIA DE ISORA, February 14, 2026

After last year’s run to the final in Bologna, David Ferrer is balancing short- and long-term plans for Spain’s Davis Cup team. Among the many matches he follows, the former world No. 3 has also been tuning in to the Tenerife Challenger, where last week crowned champion Daniel Merida is again in the spotlight, joined in the semifinals by Pablo Llamas Ruiz and Alejandro Moro Canas.

The back-to-back ATP Challenger Tour 75 hard-court events being held at the Abama Tennis Academy have kicked off Spain’s long Challenger season. Ferrer is also keeping an eye on September’s Davis Cup trip against Chile, and he did not hide his satisfaction at the recent Grand Slam triumph of Carlos Alcaraz at the Australian Open.

Ferrer: “In my day, I had to go to Italy for Challengers”

“I watched several matches at the two Tenerife Challengers. As Davis Cup captain I follow all the Spanish players, not just those on the main tour,” Ferrer explained. “Among the protagonists are Llamas Ruiz and Merida – Pablo trains at my academy, while Daniel works in Alicante. Merida won last week and is in the semifinals again; he’s improving a lot and taking the right steps for a Davis Cup future. And Tenerife in February means warm, outdoor conditions – something Spain and Italy have in common.”

Reflecting on the importance of the Challenger Circuit, Ferrer looked back: “There were times when I missed playing Challengers. I was young and starting to travel, and I remember playing a lot in Italy and France, because in Spain back then there were maybe only two – Barcelona and Pozoblanco. Now there are many more, and they’re a huge opportunity to turn pro and grow. The Spanish federation is doing a good job.”

Ferrer: “Landaluce and Jodar shouldn’t be compared to Alcaraz”

After Spain’s February bye, the team returns in September away to Chile for a place in the Finals. It’s far too early for selections, but Ferrer spoke warmly about youngsters Rafael Jodar and Martin Landaluce: “They already impress me with their maturity, especially compared to their ranking. Their path is different from Alcaraz’s—Carlos is like Rafael Nadal: players like that are rare. Jodar and Landaluce can become Top 20, and that’s great for our future, but comparisons don’t make sense.”

With a deep pool of players inside the Top 200, Ferrer acknowledges the responsibility: “When I played, Spain maybe had four or five Top 20 players to choose from. Now we have many options. The tie in Chile will be at altitude and tough, but it’s too early for decisions. I’ll follow everyone and decide later. These choices are sporting, not personal.”

OFICIAL: la Selección Española de Tenis masculina buscará un pase a las Finales de la #DavisCup en Chile ⚔️

️ 18-20 de septiembre#VamosEspaña #CopaDavis pic.twitter.com/OJHrBwFa14

— Tenis España (@RFETenis) February 8, 2026

Ferrer on Alcaraz’s Australian triumph

Ferrer couldn’t count on Alcaraz last November due to injury, but he was delighted by the Melbourne title that completed the Murcian’s career Grand Slam. “Winning the Australian Open after parting ways with Juan Carlos Ferrero couldn’t have been easy. Ending such a long partnership is hard, but Carlos showed maturity and keeps improving. For part of the prep he worked again with Juan Carlos, and that went well. Then there’s Samuel López – I agree with Carlos when he says he’s one of the best coaches in the world. He did great work with top players before and can succeed with Alcaraz too.”

What can Alcaraz still achieve? Ferrer stays cautious: “If we’re looking for who might approach the numbers of Novak Djokovic, Nadal and Roger Federer, today it’s him and Jannik Sinner pushing each other. After Melbourne, Carlos has confidence, but we know Sinner can be great in Indian Wells and Miami. It’s always hard to say who’s stronger—and over the next 10 to 15 years, we don’t know how many new talents will emerge.”