‘Going to Be Difficult’ – Major Team Member’s Absence Hurts Carlos Alcaraz’s Confidence Ahead of Australian Open

Even before the start of the 2024 season, Carlos Alcaraz suffered a major blow. While he hasn’t had the best of finishes to the last season, the Spanish tennis sensation was looking forward to redeeming himself this year. However, he received some unexpected news before the first Grand Slam of the year.

Alcaraz has had a good past two seasons on the ATP Tour. An important part of his success has been his coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero, who has been with the Spaniard for quite some time. However, he is set to be absent at the Australian Open this year.

How is Carlos Alcaraz coping without his coach?

Ferrero has been coaching Alcaraz since 2019 when the latter began his professional career at the age of just 16. The two share a strong bond and have a successful partnership which has seen Alcaraz rise to the top last year. Now that Alcaraz is all set to play at the Happy Slam with a sad loss, his approach to this development would be very important.

During a pre-tournament interview, Alcaraz was asked about the hardest part of not having his coach with him for the Australian Open. Replying to this question, Alcaraz said, “Well, it’s tough not being with him. Obviously he travel almost 100% of the tournaments. Probably he miss just one or two last year. It’s going to be difficult to approach a big tournament without him.”

Further, he went on to add, “I have Sam with me that is a great coach as well. He was coach of Juan Carlos when he was playing. I trust him. I believe in him. Juan Carlos, as well. I mean, I think I can learn a lot from him, as well. Let’s see how is going to be. As I said, I trust him 100%.”

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Ferrero requires arthroscopic surgery on his left knee. As a result, he will be on crutches and won’t be able to travel to Australia. Ferrero will be replaced by Samuel Lopez for the two-week event. Nonetheless, Ferrero has already outlined his plans with Alcaraz for the 2024 season.

Ferrero wants Alcaraz to come back stronger

After the highs of Wimbledon, Alcaraz failed to defend his US Open crown last season and had a poor finish to the year. But Ferrero is positive about Alcaraz’s strong comeback. As he revealed his plans for Alcaraz for this year, it seems like short and powerful is the new game plan for team Alcaraz.

Talking about this, Ferrero said, “Making the calendar shorter than what we have done this year is difficult. 18 tournaments have been played, which are quite a few, but he has played many games and that is what has led him to that level of mental fatigue.”

It’ll be interesting to see how Alcaraz performs at the Australian Open. Will he be able to shine in his coach’s absence? Let us know your views in the comments below.

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