Meeting with Antonio Martínez Cascales offers a rare and inspiring glimpse into the journey that shaped two world number one players, Juan Carlos Ferrero and Carlos Alcaraz, as he celebrates the 30th anniversary of the Ferrero Tennis Academy. What began as a modest vision nestled within a small house and a solitary tree has grown into one of the world’s premier tennis academies, a testament to Cascales’ dedication and unique coaching philosophy. Through his mentorship, both Ferrero and Alcaraz have ascended to the pinnacle of the sport, a legacy built upon passion, perseverance, and a distinctly personal approach to coaching.
Reflecting on his early foray into coaching, Cascales recounts a time when he was the youngest player in Villena, a small Spanish town, competing against older opponents. It was in the mid-1970s when, at just 18 years old, he began teaching children after their parents requested his guidance. “I had never taught before, but I decided to give it a try,” he recalls. Over time, his passion for coaching deepened, and after taking formal training courses, he established his own school in Villena. Little did he know that this small endeavor would lay the groundwork for a global tennis powerhouse.
One pivotal moment in Cascales’ career came in September 1990 when a young boy named Juan Carlos Ferrero walked through the doors of his school. Ferrero, then 10 years old, had been recommended by the regional tennis federation, and his talent was immediately apparent. “I had a strong group of young players at the time, and when I saw Juan Carlos play, I knew he was special,” Cascales recalls. It was the beginning of a partnership that would span decades and see Ferrero achieve the status of world number one and a Grand Slam champion.
During the 1990s, it was customary for talented Spanish players to train in Barcelona, but Ferrero chose to stay in Villena under Cascales’ guidance. Cascales attributes this decision to the environment they had cultivated—a place where tennis was intertwined with camaraderie and support. “We had a great vibe,” he says. “Apart from tennis, we spent time together camping, eating out, and enjoying each other’s company. I think that’s what convinced him to stay.” This bond laid the foundation for what would become the Ferrero Tennis Academy.
The academy’s early days were marked by hard work, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. With just a small group of six to eight players, Cascales sought to replicate the conditions of larger, established academies. “I wanted to provide the best possible environment for my players,” he explains. This meant not only building tennis courts but also ensuring that players received top-tier physical training, nutrition guidance, and injury management. Cascales would drive his young charges to Marbella for special training sessions and to Barcelona for consultations with renowned medical professionals. It was an all-encompassing approach that demanded sacrifice and dedication from everyone involved.
The journey from nurturing Ferrero to guiding Carlos Alcaraz has been nothing short of extraordinary. Alcaraz, who has captured the world’s attention with his dynamic playing style and infectious enthusiasm, represents the next chapter in Cascales’ coaching legacy. Under the watchful eyes of both Cascales and Ferrero, Alcaraz’s development has been meteoric. From winning major junior tournaments to becoming the youngest player to reach the top of the ATP rankings, Alcaraz’s success is a testament to the academy’s unique philosophy—a blend of intense focus, personal connection, and relentless pursuit of improvement.
As the academy marks its 30th anniversary, Cascales reflects on what makes their approach different. “We never just trained players; we nurtured them as individuals,” he says. This holistic approach has fostered not only world-class athletes but also well-rounded individuals who understand the value of hard work, resilience, and humility. The journey from Ferrero to Alcaraz, from one world number one to another, is a testament to the enduring power of dedication and mentorship.
Cascales’ role in shaping Alcaraz’s rise to prominence cannot be overstated. The young Spaniard’s journey mirrors Ferrero’s in many ways—staying grounded, trusting in a tight-knit team, and thriving in an environment that emphasizes both high performance and personal growth. As Alcaraz continues to make waves on the global stage, Cascales remains a steady guiding force, embodying the values and vision that have defined the Ferrero Tennis Academy for three decades.
Looking ahead, Cascales remains as committed as ever to the development of new talent. “Our mission has always been to provide the best possible environment for players to reach their full potential,” he says. With a track record that includes two world number one players and a legacy built on passion, integrity, and excellence, the Ferrero Tennis Academy stands as a shining example of what can be achieved through dedication, vision, and genuine care for the athletes it serves.
As the 30th anniversary celebrations unfold, it is clear that the journey from Juan Carlos Ferrero to Carlos Alcaraz is not just a story of tennis success—it is a testament to the enduring power of mentorship, community, and the belief that greatness can be nurtured from even the humblest beginnings.