Rising Spanish tennis phenom Carlos Alcaraz dedicated his first-ever match win at the prestigious Shanghai Masters event to a special coach back home. It was Jose Manuel Madrona from the Ferrero Academy. The 19-year-old former world No.1, currently coached by compatriot Juan Carlos Ferrero, made a touching gesture to Madrona after winning his match against Gregoire Barrere.
Madrona has been a coach at Ferrero’s academy in Alicante, Spain, where Alcaraz has trained since the age of 16. Unfortunately, he was recently involved in a devastating motorcycle accident that nearly cost him his life. Although Madrona somehow survived the traumatic crash, he sadly lost his leg because of the collision’s brutal impact. Carlos, post the victory, dedicated his win to coach Madrona and won so many hearts, including Madrona’s.
Carlos Alcaraz’s heart-warming gesture
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Alcaraz has known Madrona personally from their time together at the Ferrero Academy over the past few years. Under Ferrero’s expert tutelage, the young Spaniard has achieved immense success already at 19 – two Grand Slam titles, four Masters 1000 crowns, and the prestigious world No. 1 ranking. But despite his meteoric rise to superstardom, Alcaraz has not forgotten those who supported him along the way, including coach Madrona.
After defeating Barrere in straight sets at the Shanghai Masters, Alcaraz wrote a simple but powerful message to Madrona on the camera lens: “Madrona, this victory is for you.”
Carlos Alcaraz dedicated his win over Barrère to José Manuel Madroza, who has long worked at the Ferrero Tennis Academy.
2 weeks ago, he was involved in a motorcycle accident that almost cost him his life. He lost one of his legs in the accident.
“Madrona, this victory is for… pic.twitter.com/UvPlUVjYRz
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) October 7, 2023
It was a touching tribute that reflects the tennis phenom’s humility and gratitude, despite his youth and fame. While Madrona may have played only a small part in Alcaraz’s career, the tragedy he suffered clearly impacted the young star. But Alcaraz’s spirits improved after witnessing the passionate support that he received from his fans in Shanghai.
Carlos Alcaraz praises the enthusiastic audience
Alcaraz had glowing praise for the passionate crowds he has experienced so far at the 2023 Shanghai Masters event in China. While admitting the vibe in Shanghai feels different from other venues he’s played in China, Alcaraz described the fan energy as still being “great.“
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He seems sincerely appreciative of the support he’s received from Chinese tennis lovers since arriving to compete. “It was great. Honestly, it was great as always. Every match that I played here in China I enjoy. I enjoy my time out there. I felt great on the court as well. Yeah, it’s a little different, but it was great for me,” he said.
Alcaraz also analytically reviewed his performance in his second round match against Frenchman Gregoire Barrere. He noted that although Barrere elevated his game during the match, he was pleased with his own ability to maintain focus and consistency throughout the straight sets win. “Honestly, I think not using up and downs on my game, I just stay at the same level all the time. He increased his level, but I think my level of focus it was all the time the same. I think that I’m pleased the most about that,” Carlos Alcaraz said.
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In his Shanghai third round match, Alcaraz is set to face Dan Evans next as he seeks a fifth career Masters 1000 title. The focused Spaniard carries on his quest to conquer and win the prestigious tournament in his very first appearance. But he took a moment to recognize and honor a meaningful coach from his past dealing with unexpected hardship graciously. Alcaraz’s gesture demonstrates he has not forgotten his roots on his rapid journey to superstardom.
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