As the 2025 tennis season approaches, Carlos Alcaraz, the rising star of Spanish tennis, is making strategic adjustments to his team. The 21-year-old, who has already accomplished the remarkable feat of winning four Grand Slam titles, has announced the hiring of Samuel Lopez as an additional coach. This decision comes as Alcaraz aims to bolster his performance and aim for the pinnacle of the ATP rankings once more. Collaborating with longtime coach Juan Carlos Ferrero, who has been a guiding force since Alcaraz was just 15, Lopez’s inclusion is seen as a vital move towards achieving Alcaraz’s aspirations.
In a candid statement, Alcaraz expressed his confidence in Lopez’s capabilities, stating, „I think Samuel, for me, is one of the best coaches that we have on tour.“ This belief in Lopez underscores the level of trust and synergy that Alcaraz envisions within his coaching team. The young Spaniard emphasized that the mutual faith between the two coaches would create an environment conducive to his growth as a player. „Being able to travel with both, for me, it’s going to be great,“ Alcaraz stated, suggesting that having two experienced figures by his side will enhance his professional journey in the demanding world of tennis.
Samuel Lopez brings a wealth of experience to the team, having previously coached other notable players and served as a coach on Spain’s Olympic tennis squad in both 2000 and 2012. His recent work with Pablo Carreño Busta has come to a close after a commendable nine seasons, with Busta himself publicly thanking Lopez. This diverse coaching background positions Lopez as a valuable asset to Alcaraz, especially with his deep understanding of the sport and the pressure associated with high-caliber competition.
Reflecting on his journey, Alcaraz recalled how his relationship with Ferrero has evolved over the years. He credited Ferrero not only for his professional development as a tennis player but also for nurturing his personal growth. Alcaraz disclosed how he has transitioned from being an obedient student—“mouth closed and ears open“—to becoming a more assertive figure capable of making critical decisions. This evolution suggests that the relationship between the player and the coach is less of a hierarchy and more of a partnership, fostering a dynamic that is crucial for long-term success.
With Alcaraz concluding the current year ranked No. 3 in the world, the addition of Lopez to the coaching staff signals a commitment to enhance performance ahead of a new season. The collaboration is set to not only sharpen Alcaraz’s skills but also prepare him mentally for the challenges that lie ahead. As Alcaraz prepares to showcase his talents at exhibitions like the upcoming match against Ben Shelton at Madison Square Garden, he carries with him the hopes of fans and the weight of expectations on his young shoulders.
In tandem with strong mentorship from Lopez and Ferrero, Alcaraz is undoubtedly gearing up for a promising future, hopeful of adding more titles to his already impressive résumé. The groundwork is being laid for what could be another groundbreaking chapter in his career as the tennis world watches with anticipation.
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