Carlos Alcaraz and his coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero, shared a playful moment on the training courts at the 2024 Paris Masters, showcasing the lighter side of the intense world of professional tennis. Alcaraz, the 21-year-old Spanish sensation and former world No. 1, is ready to make his mark at this prestigious event. He’s set to kick off his campaign against Chilean Nicolas Jarry in the second round, hoping to improve on his previous performances at the season’s final Masters 1000 tournament.
A humorous video circulating on social media captured Alcaraz and Ferrero sharing a lighthearted scuffle during one of their practice sessions in Paris. The video, posted by a tennis-related account on X, shows Alcaraz chatting with his team when Ferrero—seemingly out of the blue—lifts a bag and pretends to throw a gentle kick toward his star pupil. Alcaraz, never one to shy away from a bit of fun, reacted by throwing mock punches back at his coach. The interaction left both player and coach laughing, illustrating the strong camaraderie between them, which has been a driving force behind Alcaraz’s success over the past few years.
Alcaraz received a bye in the first round and will meet Jarry in his Paris opener on Tuesday, October 29. The matchup promises an exciting start for Alcaraz, who enters with a fresh perspective and refined approach this year. The young Spaniard is acutely aware of his previous struggles at the Paris Masters, where he has yet to reach the later stages despite his impressive resume elsewhere on tour.
Speaking at a pre-tournament press conference, Alcaraz reflected on his past performances in Paris and why this particular event has posed challenges for him. “Well, yeah. I haven’t played good tennis here in this tournament,” he acknowledged. Alcaraz suggested that the timing of the tournament near the end of the season, along with the grueling schedule, has impacted his ability to perform his best in Paris. “Probably at the end of the year, I have been tired, or yeah, as I said last year, I had to understand that the season is still going after September,” he explained.
For Alcaraz, the end of the tennis calendar is a tricky period. With countless matches and travel, he has often arrived in Paris physically and mentally worn out. However, this year he feels different. Determined to change his fortune at the tournament, Alcaraz emphasized that he has adjusted his preparation to better handle the demands of the long season. “I think I did prepare really well this year. So I don’t know, you know. The calendar is super tight, super demanding, as well. So coming to the last tournament of the year, probably I have been tired the last year, didn’t play as well as I wanted, but coming to this year, I think I’m feeling different,” he said confidently.
Alcaraz’s optimism stems from a rigorous training regimen and a conscious focus on managing his energy levels, particularly during the season’s later stages. The Spaniard has been putting in the work on and off the court, making adjustments to his game and fitness. He believes that with this new approach, he has set himself up for success, feeling both physically and mentally sharper as he heads into the Paris Masters.
The Paris Masters has seen mixed results for Alcaraz over the past few years. Last year, he faced a surprise exit, losing in his campaign opener to Roman Safiullin, a match that left fans and analysts surprised at his performance. In 2022, he advanced to the quarterfinals as the top seed, only to retire mid-match against Holger Rune due to injury, halting his progress. Alcaraz’s 2021 campaign saw a thrilling second-round victory over Jannik Sinner, followed by a third-round defeat to Hugo Gaston. The variety of outcomes underscores the unpredictable nature of the Paris Masters and Alcaraz’s evolving journey at the event.
Alcaraz, now the second seed in Paris, has set his sights on a deep run in the tournament. He’ll face a tough opponent in Nicolas Jarry, known for his powerful serve and aggressive baseline game. While Jarry has had an impressive season, Alcaraz’s agility and resilience give him an edge on the fast-paced indoor courts of Paris. Should Alcaraz prevail, he will face the winner of the match between Ugo Humbert and Marcos Giron in the third round, potentially setting up more compelling matchups as he advances.
The Paris Masters holds additional significance for Alcaraz, as strong performances here can help solidify his position in the ATP rankings and set the tone for the start of the 2025 season. Since his meteoric rise to the top of the rankings in 2022, Alcaraz has consistently shown he can compete with—and defeat—the world’s best, winning multiple titles, including Grand Slams. Yet, the Paris Masters remains one of the few events where he has struggled to showcase his full potential.
Alcaraz’s commitment to continuous improvement is reflected not only in his tactical adjustments but also in his positive mindset, supported by Ferrero and his team. The playful moment between player and coach captured in the video is a reminder of the balance they maintain, combining intense training with moments of levity that help keep the young star grounded. This unique rapport with Ferrero has been instrumental in his journey, as Ferrero’s experience as a former world No. 1 offers Alcaraz invaluable guidance in navigating the challenges of a demanding season.
As the 2024 Paris Masters begins, all eyes will be on Alcaraz to see if he can finally break through in the City of Light. His lighthearted moments with Ferrero, coupled with his renewed focus and preparation, signal a player ready to leave behind past disappointments and make a strong bid for the title. Whether or not Alcaraz lifts the trophy in Paris, his journey is a testament to the resilience, growth, and joy he bring
In-fighting within the team! 😱
🥋😂
— Carlos Alcaraz Daily (@alcarazdaily) October 29, 2024
s to the game, and fans can be certain he will give his all in pursuit of his best performance yet.