Carlos Alcaraz is swiftly carving out his place among the tennis greats! At just 21, he has already clinched four Grand Slam titles, setting records and thrilling fans with his dynamic play. But, as any seasoned player knows, no champion rises alone. A significant part of Alcaraz’s meteoric ascent can be credited to the guidance of his long-time coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero. However, in the ever-evolving world of professional tennis, one question lingers: will this long-term bond last forever?

Ferrero started working with Alcaraz when he was just 15. The duo has since been hitting courts for practice and the former pro is always witnessed in Alcaraz’s box during his matches. While the two have shared a close bond on and off the court, the probabilities of a likely split have worried the fans of the Spaniard. In a recent interview with a Spanish publication, Relevo, Alcaraz opened up about his future with Ferrero.

When quizzed if the four-time Grand Slam winner can imagine his career without his coach, he responded positively. “Well, a person’s career is very long, anything can happen at a tennis level and at a personal level, both for me and for Juan Carlos. Personally, I would love, thinking about it now, to spend my entire career with him.” 

For the unversed, Ferrero expressed on certain occasions that his partnership with Alcaraz will last only for a few years and then he will return back to his academy, per Relevo. But his Spanish mentee wishes otherwise. Giving the example of Ferrero himself, Alcaraz said, “He has had Toni, Antonio Cascales, throughout his career.”

Cascales and Ferrero had been the epitome of tennis history. The story of how a small-town coach trained a small-town boy since he was just nine in 1989 till his retirement in 2012, has long resonated the tennis corridors. Ferreo’s World No. 1 spot and Roland Garros title is also accredited to Cascales by many. Continuing further, Carlitos compared his own scenario with that of his coach, when Ferrero was still playing.

“There have been various stages in his career when Antonio may not have been traveling, he was more in the academy and started to travel with other coaches, but he has always been involved.” He again reiterated his desire to train with Ferrero forever. “We don’t know, but I personally think and hope that I will spend my entire career with Juan Carlos.” And the affection is justified.

Alcaraz partnered with Ferrero soon after the latter split ways with German Alexander Zverev. Since then, he has not just helped the young star with skills and techniques, but also finances. In a statement that Alcaraz’s agent Albert Molina made, he admitted that Ferrero agreed to coach the Spaniard despite not being paid much. The top-tier coach understood the financial situation of a growing potential and agreed to train him at a much lower price.

As their future remains uncertain, Ferrero’s decision for Alcaraz’s next tournament is definitely saddening. 

Alcaraz to be left without a coach at the Paris Olympics

After winning the Wimbledon title on July 14, Alcaraz is soon set to reach Paris to eye an Olympic medal. But for the 21-year-old, the challenges seem to be high. As per MARCA newspaper, Ferrero will not travel with his Spanish mentee for the Games. He will only make it to Paris as a guest if Alcaraz advances to the major stages of the game.

While the Valencian will take a break during the Olympic event, Alcaraz will be assisted by his agent Albert Molina who will travel with the star player. As for Alcaraz, his focus would be to do something similar to what he did on the same clay courts just a month ago at the French Open. He will also pair up with tennis legend Rafael Nadal for the doubles category. 

It will be interesting to see how Ferrero’s absence affects Alcaraz. Can the Spaniard win big without his coach? Only time will tell.