In the high-stakes world of professional tennis, where pressure and performance collide, the relationship between a player and their coach can define a career. For Carlos Alcaraz, the 21-year-old Spanish sensation, that guiding force is Juan Carlos Ferrero—a former world No. 1 whose mentorship has propelled Alcaraz to dizzying heights. Their partnership, forged in the sun-drenched courts of Alicante, is more than a professional alliance; it’s a profound bond that blends discipline, trust, and familial warmth, shaping Alcaraz into a four-time Grand Slam champion and a global superstar.
Ferrero, a 2003 French Open champion nicknamed “El Mosquito” for his speed and tenacity, first spotted Alcaraz’s raw talent when the boy was just 11. By 2018, at the Juan Carlos Ferrero Equelite Sport Academy, their journey began in earnest. Ferrero saw something special—a spark of brilliance that reminded him of the greats, yet was uniquely Alcaraz. “He’s different than me,” Ferrero once reflected, noting Alcaraz’s relaxed demeanor compared to his own intense focus. “He’ll want to figure it out and solve it on the spot.” This contrast has been the bedrock of their success, allowing Ferrero to mold Alcaraz’s game while respecting his individuality.
Their collaboration has yielded staggering results: 17 ATP titles, including the 2022 US Open, Wimbledon in 2023 and 2024, and the 2024 French Open. Alcaraz became the youngest man to claim the world No. 1 ranking in 2022, a feat Ferrero celebrated with quiet pride. But beyond the trophies, it’s the personal connection that stands out. “He is tough,” Alcaraz said of Ferrero’s coaching style. “He is a very serious person when it comes to work and discipline, he is very hard on you.” Yet, he added, “He’s also very, very funny when he has to be. He knows how to differentiate the moments very well.” This balance—strict mentor one moment, playful confidant the next—has kept Alcaraz grounded amid meteoric fame.
Ferrero’s approach is deliberate. He’s not the type to dictate without discussion. “I like to talk a lot with the players about how we have to do things,” he’s explained, emphasizing collaboration over control. For Alcaraz, this meant learning professionalism early—punctuality, rest, and focus off the court. “If he were not so strict, I might have gone crazy,” Alcaraz admitted, crediting Ferrero for his rapid growth. The coach’s insistence on mental resilience and consistency remains a work in progress, especially after Alcaraz’s 2025 Australian Open quarterfinal exit. “At 21, there is always room for improvement,” Ferrero noted. “Carlos is a very talented player, but it is obvious that he still has a lot to improve, mentally and in terms of consistency in matches.”
Their dynamic isn’t without its nuances. Alcaraz’s recent Rotterdam Open triumph in February 2025, his first indoor title, sparked a playful jab at his coach. Ferrero had reached the final there in 2004 but lost, and Alcaraz couldn’t resist a grin. “I am very happy to be the first Spaniard to win here, and to have beaten Juan Carlos, with whom we always have a feud,” he joked, highlighting their friendly rivalry. The win also pushed Alcaraz’s title count to 17, surpassing Ferrero’s 16, a milestone that underscores how the student has eclipsed the master—yet with mutual respect intact.
Ferrero’s influence extends beyond tactics. He’s a second father to Alcaraz, who has called him “family.” This was evident when Ferrero, despite personal tragedy, flew to Miami in 2022 to watch Alcaraz win his first Masters 1000 title, days after losing his father. Their bond shone again in 2024 when Alcaraz, fresh off Wimbledon glory, insisted Ferrero’s discipline was why he stood on those stages. “He means a lot to me,” Alcaraz said. “It’s a great support when I have him in the box.”
As Alcaraz evolves, so does their relationship. The addition of Samuel Lopez to the coaching team in December 2024 reflects Alcaraz’s growing voice. “They’re listening to me much more than before,” he said, a shift from his teenage days of “mouth closed, ears open.” Ferrero welcomes this maturity, seeing it as vital for Alcaraz’s quest to reclaim No. 1. “We have a lot of experience, we know very well what we’re doing,” Ferrero affirmed, confident their trust will yield more victories.
Their story is one of contrasts—Ferrero’s understated calm against Alcaraz’s electric charisma—yet it’s their shared vision that binds them. From junior tournaments to Grand Slam finals, they’ve built a legacy at the Ferrero Academy, where clay courts echo with dreams. As Alcaraz chases history, Ferrero remains his compass, steering him through triumphs and setbacks with a nod, a smile, and a belief that the best is yet to come.