Juan Carlos Ferrero has played a pivotal role in shaping Carlos Alcaraz into a formidable tennis champion. The former world number one shared insights about his protégé after a training session, highlighting key aspects of their partnership and Alcaraz’s development.
Ferrero emphasized Alcaraz’s potential to win any tournament if he plays at his best. “If he plays at his level we know that he has a chance of winning any tournament he plays in,” Ferrero stated. This confidence underscores the high regard in which Ferrero holds Alcaraz’s abilities.
Both Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner have faced injuries, which affected their participation in clay tournaments. Ferrero noted that this has balanced the expectations for both players. “Both have left some clay tournaments to play due to their injuries. They are quite tied in terms of favoritism. Jannik has improved a lot on this surface,” he remarked, acknowledging Sinner’s evolution and enhanced game variety.
The bond between Ferrero and Alcaraz goes beyond the typical coach-player dynamic. “The relationship is still very close. It can differ at times of the day. Sometimes I am a coach, sometimes a friend and I leave the role of father to his father,” Ferrero explained. This multifaceted relationship has been crucial in Alcaraz’s growth both on and off the court.
Discussing the strategy for the semifinal, Ferrero stressed the importance of a clear game plan. “If you don’t have a clear idea there are more complications. He knows how he has to play and so does Jannik. We have an idea,” he said. This preparation is vital for navigating the complexities of high-stakes matches.
Ferrero acknowledged that at 21, complete maturity is still a work in progress for Alcaraz. “At 21, none of us were mature. He still needs to, because Carlos is very young,” Ferrero noted, highlighting the ongoing journey of personal and professional development.
Addressing Alcaraz’s recent forearm injury, Ferrero pointed out its impact on their clay season but remained optimistic about his recovery. “An injury like this is never good because our clay season has been broken. I would say that he has 95% confidence with his forehand, it is difficult to finish hitting his forehand with that naturalness that he used to hit before,” he said. Despite this setback, Ferrero believes Alcaraz is performing at a great level and is confident he will return to his peak form.
Ferrero’s insights provide a comprehensive look into the journey and relationship that have shaped Carlos Alcaraz into the rising star he is today.
Alcaraz at the French Open, ranking, and results in 2024
Now ranked no.3, Alcaraz has managed to achieve a composed 23-5 record in 2024. Alcaraz is currently playing at the French Open where he toppled the world no.107 Jeff Wolf 6-1 6-2 6-1, the world no.176 Jesper De Jong 6-3 6-4 2-6 6-2, the world no.28 Sebastian Korda 6-4 7-65 6-3, the world no.21 Felix Auger-Aliassime 6-3 6-3 6-1 and the world no.9 Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-3 7-63 6-4.
Carlos Alcaraz will come up against the world no.2 Jannik Sinner in the semifinal on Friday at 2:30 pm on Court PHILIPPE-CHATRIER. Their actual record is 5-4 for Alcaraz.
Carlos has won 1 title in 2024 in Indian Wells.
The Spaniard won 14 titles in his career: 4 on hard courts, 7 on clay courts, 1 on indoor courts and 2 on grass courts. (See the list of his titles)
Carlos Alcaraz |
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