Carlos Alcaraz’s chance to compete in the 2024 Olympics has been struck a blow in the absence of Juan Carlos Ferrero, an essential supporter. The Wimbledon winner will have to play without his powerful coach when he travels to Paris to play with Rafael Nadal, his fellow Spaniard.

Due to the introduction of in-game coaching, Alcaraz recently acknowledged that there are times on the court when he genuinely doesn’t know what to do and frequently just follows Ferrero’s instructions blindly.

Ferrero is frequently heard giving Alcaraz advice during games; this was prohibited at the Olympics this summer, which is a serious setback for the 21-year-old. Before the summer of 2022, such actions would have been against the law.

Alcaraz said earlier: “In the vast majority of cases, I apply what Juan Carlos advises me to do. The coach is there to support you and to give you the best instructions. So, I am applying. There are plenty of moments where I don’t know what to do on the court. Others where I get frustrated because I can’t find the right way to play.”

However, according to section K of the Olympic Code of Conduct, which was released by the International Tennis Federation in collaboration with the International Olympic Committee, this kind of instruction is not permitted during the Games. Those found guilty might face a fine of up to £15,000 or possibly be in default.

The law states: “Players shall not receive coaching during a match. Communications of any kind, audible or visible, between a player and a team member may be construed as coaching.”

Carlos Alcaraz in 2024

Ranked world no.2, Alcaraz played his last match on the 20^th of June when he capitulated to world no.31 Jack Draper 7-6(3) 6-3 in the 2^nd round in London (draw).

This season the Spaniard has managed to achieve a compiled 26-6 match record. Alcaraz has won 2 titles in 2024 in Indian Wells and French Open.