Ferrer hoping to be Spain's Davis Cup captain after retirement

The Spaniard David Ferrer, who will retire next month at the ATP 1000 Masters Madrid, is looking back on his career before planning what he wants to do next.

Ferrer reached No. 3 back in 2013, when he got to the French Open final. He also reached the semifinals at the Australian Open and the US Open, winning 27 titles.

"The feelings are good," he told Marca in an interview. "I'm happy with the transition... I'm playing the tournaments that for me have meant the most. Thanks to my career, I can look back and be proud of what I achieved."

But he says that's not the most important for him. "The titles are in the trophy room, but they are still just trophies. The affection I have had from the public, from my colleagues and friends in the world of tennis are what I am left with," said Ferrer, who has been feted on his retirement tour.

"It's surprised me a lot," he said of the reception. "It's because you must have created good memories during all the years you've been playing tennis. Apart from being a tennis player, you've been something people have liked."

Ferrer is now looking towards his next career. "I have not been thinking about it a lot," he said. "But it will have some connection to the world of tennis."

A regular Davis Cup competitor, he had 28 singles wins and five defeats and would like to stay involved with the event.

“I would be very proud to be able to be Davis Cup captain,” he said. “I also understand that this is very far away and there are players who are ahead. First, I have to train as a professional in coaching.”

Ferrer wants to help young players first, before potentially coaching on tour.

“Today I would say that I would not like to do it, but in the future. But I would like to experience another type of stage first,” Ferrer said. “The stage of young people and grow with that type of tennis player. Afterwards, of course I love the circuit. If I feel I can contribute, I would. If I do not feel it, no. It’s something that I can decide whether to do or not do.”

Ferrer is next scheduled to play at Barcelona.