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Carlos Alcaraz's coach Juan Carlos Ferrero is back training the Spaniard for the 2024 season, after completing his recovery from a knee injury.
Ferrero became the coach of the then 16-year-old Carlos Alcaraz in 2019, and their partnership has produced immense success so far. Under the 2003 French Open champion's guidance, Alcaraz has won 12 titles, including two Majors and four Masters 1000. He also reached the World No. 1 ranking in September 2022.
Ferrero, a former singles World No. 1 himself, went through arthroscopy on his left knee in December last year, which prevented him from traveling to Australia. Ferrero wasn't present during Alcaraz's quarterfinal run at the Australian Open, and reports had earlier claimed he would return to his camp only in March.
However, Ferrero Tennis Academy's X (Formerly Twitter) account recently posted a video of Ferrero doing training drills with Alcaraz. The account implied that the Spanish coach has recovered well from his surgery and that the duo have begun their preparations for the upcoming Latin-American clay court circuit.
"We’re so excited to see Juan Carlos training @carlosalcaraz again after his recovery. It’s time to prepare for the Latin American clay-court circuit! VAMOS TEAM"
Samuel Lopez stepped in for Juan Carlos Ferrero to guide Carlos Alcaraz at the Australian Open
Samuel Lopez stepped in for Juan Carlos Ferrero as Carlos Alcaraz's coach during the 2024 Australian Open.
Lopez has been coaching Pablo Carreno Busta since 2015, and has helped him capture seven ATP Tour titles and enter the top 10 of the rankings. But before working with Carreno Busta, Lopez had coached an array of players, including Ferrero himself.
Lopez was also part of Alcaraz's coaching team during the Spaniard's triumphant Queen's Club campaign in 2023. When asked about Lopez being his coach at the Australian Open, Alcaraz said at a press conference at the Australian Open (05:30):
“I have Samu with me, who is a great coach as well. He was the coach of Juan Carlos when he was playing. I trust him. I believe in him. I think I can learn a lot from him. Let’s see how it is going to be. I trust him 100 percent."
Alcaraz made it to the quarterfinals of the Australian Open where he lost to Alexander Zverev in a four-setter.
