In a long interview with Xabia, the former world No. 3 David Ferrer largely spoke about his career and childhood in general. Ferrer now is a big example for younger players in terms of dedication and passion, for never giving up, but it was not always like this.

A little bit like Roger Federer, Ferrer was nervous when he was younger. 'It's not true that at my beginnings my father was leaving me aside because I was breaking racquets. That's something that mixed up with my brother.

When you are 16 years old you always have doubts and starts maturing a little bit, at 14 and 15 years I was among the best ones in Spain and when you head into senior stage and you do not win matches, doubts rise. My career luckily evolved and I could improve mentally and yeah, at 21 years I was breaking racquets and did not behave the way I had to but life is a little bit like this and seeing how I started and how I am ending up is a great triumph', Ferrer said.

His father Javier was a big inspiration for him: 'Although some people do not know it Javier was Spain champion at 14 yeaes and me being three years older than him, he opened me the way, helping me to get where I got.' Ferrer also gave some suggestions in terms of fairness: 'You have to respect the rival, be correct, be competitive, do not cheat and the most important thing the education that you can get from your parents.' Then he also made an admission: 'I do not know how other athletes do, but at such high level, at least from my experience, the mental work requires more time than the physical one.

Especially when I am preparing for Grand Slam final, my head is at 300km/h. I have a million thoughts on possible scenarios, what happened, what will happen. I am trying to always keep my mind on the present.' ALSO READ: David Ferrer: 'It will be my last US Open. Facing Rafael Nadal is a gift'