Madrid Open: Carlos Alcaraz Confesses to Seeking Mental Help Owing to Coach Juan Carlos Ferrero’s Absence

Certain coach-player relationships go beyond their professional commitments. Such is the case of Carlos Alcaraz and his bond with his coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero. Ferrero, who had been absent during Alcaraz’s South American tour, could not help him manage his on and off-court troubles. Opening up on how he managed to deal with his defeats and injuries, fans got a glimpse of how significant his relationship with his coach is!

Owing to a knee operation that prevented Ferrero from guiding Carlos Alcaraz on-court during his Australian Open match. But the absence of his coach continued on his South American tour as well. Especially during his ankle injury at the Rio Open, he experienced a difficult journey getting back on his feet. By recalling those times, he recently opened up and said, “I had a difficult time on the South American tour, and I relied on my psychologist.” Battling with his injuries alone made Alcaraz lose confidence in his game.

Apart from his Rio Open tournament, the Spaniard also participated in the Argentina Open during his tour. But without the support of his long-time coach, Ferrero, Alcaraz could not qualify beyond the semifinal match. And his bad luck on the South American tour continued.

However, Ferrero recovered from his injury and resumed his coaching duties in Indian Wells, which guided Alcaraz to a victory. Ferrero, who has been coaching the former world number one since the age of 14, has forged a solid friendship with Carlos Alcaraz. And on the court, he also guided Alcaraz to win 13 tour-level championships. And keeping those in mind, after his Indian Wells victory, Alcaraz opened up about their incredible journey together on the court.

“His support is really special to me,”  says Carlos Alcaraz about his coach

After winning his first championship of the season in Indian Wells, Carlos Alcaraz admitted how he is thankful to his coach for helping him get back to his form. He appreciated the 44-year-old Ferrero’s support throughout his journey. “He means a lot to me. Obviously, it’s a great support when I have him in the box. His support is really special to me. It’s been a long path together. I think six years now it’s been a long journey together,” Alcaraz said after his Indian Wells victory.

Further acknowledging his special bond with Juan Carlos Ferrero, Carlos Alcaraz added, “We have a really good relationship in the professional part but the personal part as well. I have learned a lot from him.” With his coach by his side, even during his toughest battles, Alcaraz has managed to shine through. Although he was not present on his South American tour, the moment he rejoined his team, Alcaraz got back to his normal form. And fans excited to see how the duo progresses towards more success as they move forward.