Carlos Alcaraz asserted that he needs “everything” Juan Carlos Ferrero tells him during matches after John McEnroe questioned the approach of the Spaniard’s coach.
Ferrero, a former world No 1 and French Open champion, has played an integral role in Alcaraz’s development and success since the pair started working together in 2018.
Alcaraz, who turned 21 last month, became the youngest world No 1 in ATP history after winning his maiden Grand Slam title at the 2022 US Open. He secured his second Major crown by stunning Novak Djokovic in an epic five-set final at the 2023 Wimbledon Championships.
The world No 3 is currently in action at the 2024 French Open, where he eased past 21st seed Felix Auger-Aliassime 6-3, 6-3, 6-1 in the fourth round today.
ATP players are now officially allowed to receive coaching during matches on the tour and at Grand Slams — something that was previously prohibited under the rules. Microphones are placed near the players’ boxes in the stands, allowing coaching to be picked up on TV coverage.
Among high-profile players, Ferrero is one the coaches who can be heard talking to his player the most frequently, along with Stefanos Tsitsipas’ father and coach Apostolos Tsitsipas.
While commentating on Alcaraz’s third round Roland Garros win against Sebastian Korda, tennis great McEnroe questioned Ferrero’s constant communication with Alcaraz.
“Never heard a coach I don’t think, maybe Tsitsipas’ old man, but there’s a lot of talking going on,” said the seven-time Grand Slam champion.
In a discussion with 2013 Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli on Prime Video, Alcaraz defended Ferrero’s coaching approach.
“Six years now, a lot of things happen between us in the professional part and the personal part, but I need him in the box,” explained the Spaniard.
“I need everything he tells me from the box and it’s really helpful to give my 100% on the court.”
McEnroe also praised Alcaraz for his exciting playing style and complete game following his entertaining 6-4, 7-6(5), 6-3 win against Korda at Roland Garros.
“Alcaraz is a unique individual,” the former world No 1 told Eurosport. “He’s exciting, the most fun to watch, most athletic, got more game than anyone I’ve ever seen [of someone] his age.
“The guy just turned 21, unbelievable that he can do anything. As a matter of fact, because he can do anything, sometimes he tries the extraordinary instead of the high-percentage shot.
“I think as his career moves along he’ll start to pull back that little bit because he talks about wanting to excite the crowd and give the crowd its money’s worth, and sometimes it may get in the way of winning the match easier than he would normally.
“I think he should have won the match the other day in straight sets but he sort of lost his way a little bit trying to do the spectacular, but I absolutely love watching this young kid play. He is electric, he is incredible for the game.”
It’s like McEnroe saw my tweet. https://t.co/igHWtHtvZ7 pic.twitter.com/AicyDkrqC0
— Gerda Pardiac (@GerdaPardiac) May 31, 2024
