David Ferrer, the Spanish tennis grinder known as “The Wall,” built a legendary career through sheer grit and endless retrieving. Even in 2026, at 43, his story inspires players chasing consistency over flash.
David Ferrer’s Biography
| Detail | Information |
| Name | David Ferrer Ern |
| Nickname | The Wall |
| Born | April 2, 1982 |
| Age | 43 years |
| College | N/A |
| Nationality | Spanish |
| Height | 5-9 (175 cm) |
| Turned Pro | 2000 |
| Net Worth | $16 million |
| Salary | Varied by year (career total prize money $31.5M) |
| Spouse | Marta Tornel |
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Instagram Profile | @davidferrer87 |
Early Career
Born in coastal Xàbia, Ferrer shifted to Gandia at 13, then Barcelona for serious training at the Catalan Tennis Federation. A tough coach once locked him in a dark ball closet for slacking, sparking his fire—he quit briefly for construction work but returned hooked.
Turned pro in 2000 at 18, he ended ranked 419 after futures wins in Poland and Spain. In 2001, he grabbed his first Challenger in Sopot and hit semis in Spanish futures, building clay chops steadily.
Professional Career
Ferrer exploded in 2002 with his first ATP title in Bucharest on clay, reaching Umag final too. By 2005, top 15 locked in after Miami semis and doubles wins in Viña del Mar, Acapulco. Peaked at No. 3 in 2013 post-French Open final (lost straight to Nadal without dropping a set before).
Nabbed 27 singles titles, including 2012 Paris Masters, semis at Aussie/US Opens x2, Wimbledon QF x2. Davis Cup hero for Spain’s 2008, 2009, 2011 triumphs. Retired 2019 at Madrid Open after 734 wins—most ever sans major title—facing Zverev in emotional farewell.
Wife
Ferrer married longtime girlfriend Marta Tornel Nieto in 2015; she’s an optometrist from Benifaió. They have one son, Leo, born May 2018. No other kids noted; family stays private, but Marta backed his career grind fully.
David Ferrer’s Net Worth Details
As of 2026, David Ferrer’s net worth sits around $16 million, fueled by $31.5 million career prize money (13th all-time). Post-retirement roles like Barcelona Open director and Davis Cup captain add coaching/admin cash. Endorsements keep it steady without flash spending.
Prize Money
| Year | Earnings ($) |
| 2007 | 833,036 |
| 2008 | 1,170,008 |
| 2009 | 1,206,252 |
| 2010 | 2,593,353 |
| 2011 | 3,113,904 |
| 2012 | 4,409,340 |
| 2013 | 4,868,953 |
| 2014 | 2,815,066 |
| 2015 | 3,065,755 |
| 2016 | 1,374,484 |
| 2017 | 1,066,211 |
| 2018 | 510,316 |
| 2019 | 177,074 |
| Total | 31,483,911 |
Endorsements
Ferrer stayed loyal to key brands through his career, wearing Lotto gear and shoes for court speed, swinging Prince racquets for precision, flashing Rolex watches off-court, and sporting Maui Jim sunglasses.
These deals padded his earnings beyond prizes, fitting his no-frills style—practical picks over hype. Post-2019, some linger via ambassador gigs, boosting that $16M net worth without big splashy ads.
Career Records
| Notable Opponent | Head-to-Head (Ferrer Wins) |
| Rafael Nadal | 6-26 |
| Novak Djokovic | 5-16 |
| Andy Murray | 6-14 |
| Roger Federer | 0-17 |
| Nicolás Almagro | 15-1 |
| Fernando Verdasco | 14-7 |
| Richard Gasquet | 10-3 |
| Tomáš Berdych | 8-8 |
| Juan Martín del Potro | 6-7 |
FAQs
1. Who is David Ferrer?
David Ferrer is a retired Spanish professional tennis player born on April 2, 1982, in Xàbia, Alicante. He turned pro in 2000, became known for his relentless counter-punching style and endurance, and reached a career-high ranking of world No. 3 in 2013.
2. When did David Ferrer retire?
David Ferrer retired in 2019 at age 37 after his final match at the Madrid Open, where he lost to Alexander Zverev in the second round. He chose his home tournament for a fitting farewell, receiving a standing ovation from the crowd.
3. What are David Ferrer’s major achievements?
Ferrer won 27 ATP singles titles, reached the 2013 French Open final without losing a set, made four Grand Slam semifinals (two each at Australian and US Opens), and secured three Davis Cup titles with Spain. He also won a Masters 1000 title at the 2012 Paris Masters.
4. How many ATP titles did David Ferrer win?
David Ferrer captured 27 ATP singles titles across all surfaces: 13 on clay, 12 on hard, and 2 on grass. Notable multiple wins include four in Auckland, four in Acapulco, and three each in Buenos Aires, Bastad, and Valencia.
5. What was David Ferrer’s career-high ranking?
David Ferrer’s highest ranking was world No. 3, achieved in July 2013 after reaching the French Open final. He spent over 200 weeks in the top 10 and became Spain’s No. 1 player during Rafael Nadal’s absences.
6. What is David Ferrer’s playing style?
Ferrer was a baseline counter-puncher renowned for exceptional speed, stamina, and consistency, earning the nickname “the little giant” due to his 5’9″ height. He pressured opponents with solid forehands, reliable backhands, and tireless defense on all surfaces.
7. Did David Ferrer win any Grand Slam titles?
No, David Ferrer never won a Grand Slam singles title despite strong showings like the 2013 French Open final loss to Rafael Nadal and semifinals at the Australian and US Opens. His best Grand Slam result was that Roland Garros runner-up finish.
8. Where was David Ferrer born and raised?
David Ferrer was born in Xàbia, Alicante province, Spain. At age 13, he moved to Gandia, then to Barcelona for training at the Catalan Tennis Federation, later spending time at the Juan Carlos Ferrero Academy in Villena.
9. What is David Ferrer doing after retirement?
Post-retirement, David Ferrer runs the David Ferrer Tennis Academy in Spain, training young players and shaping the next generation. He has also participated in legends events like the Legends Team Cup in 2025.
10. Why is David Ferrer respected in tennis?
David Ferrer is admired for his humility, work ethic, and warrior mentality, always leaving everything on court despite lacking the power of bigger rivals. He amassed 733 wins in 1,111 matches and remains a fan favorite for his grounded personality and loyalty to Spain.