Former French Open champion Juan Carlos Ferrero has opened up about his coaching experiences with top tennis players Alexander Zverev and Carlos Alcaraz. Ferrero, who coached Zverev between July 2017 and February 2018, admitted finding it challenging to bring about necessary improvements in the German player.
Ferrero, who has been coaching Alcaraz since 2018, played a significant role in the young Spaniard’s rise to the top of the sport. Reflecting on his contrasting experiences with Zverev and Alcaraz, Ferrero emphasized the differences in their approaches to professionalism.
“I know I needed something like that (working with Alcaraz) because working with Zverev was not easy for me,” Ferrero explained. “It is not the same culture, and he understands in a slightly different way what it means to be professional.”
Ferrero highlighted the need for a reset and a shift in working dynamics, indicating that Alcaraz’s character and aspirations aligned more closely with his own. “He needed to reset a bit and work with someone who had the same character as me and who wanted the same for the future, and I think I found that in Carlos,” Ferrero remarked.
While acknowledging the challenges he faced with Zverev, Ferrero expressed satisfaction with his coaching journey alongside Alcaraz, finding it to be a rewarding experience. The differing dynamics between coaching Zverev and Alcaraz shed light on the intricate relationship between players and coaches in professional tennis.
As Ferrero continues to guide Alcaraz’s career, his insights from working with both Zverev and Alcaraz serve as valuable lessons in coaching and player development within the sport.
Carlos Alcaraz in 2024
LWLWWWWWWW Now the world no.2, Carlos played his last match on the 17th of February when he lost to world no.19 Nicolas Jarry 7-6(2) 6-3 in the semifinal in Buenos Aires (draw).
Currently, during this season the Spaniard has a 6-2 match record. Carlos Alcaraz’s latest run in Buenos Aires was the best achievement of his season.
Alcaraz is scheduled to compete next in Indian Wells (BNP Paribas Open). He will start the tournament from the main draw that will commence on the 4th of March.
Alexander Zverev in 2024
WWWWWLWWLW Currently the world no.6, Alexander played his last match on the 26th of January when he surrendered to world no.4 Daniil Medvedev 5-7 3-6 7-6(4) 7-6(5) 6-3 in the semifinal of the Australian Open (draw).
Presently, during this year the German owns a compiled 9-2 match record. Alexander clinched 1 title in Australia.
Zverev has scheduled to compete next in Acapulco (Abierto Mexicano Telcel). He will start the tournament from the main draw that will commence on the 26th of February.
Carlos Alcaraz and Alexander Zverev fought against each other 8 times. Their current record is 5-3 for Zverev. Previously, the last time they locked horns, Alexander Zverev won 6-1 6-3 6-7(2) 6-4 in the quarter in Melbourne (Australian Open) on the 24th of January 2024.
You can see them in action in the following highlights.
Carlos Alcaraz and Alexander Zverev |
| Embed from Getty Images |
