Tennis Sensation Alcaraz Adds Coaching Powerhouse to His All-Star Team
New York, NY – Carlos Alcaraz, the young tennis phenom who’s already captivated the world, is gearing up for an even more dominant showing in the 2025 season.
Alcaraz, a four-time Grand Slam champion at just 21 years old, has announced the addition of renowned coach Samuel Lopez to his team, who will join forces with his longtime mentor, Juan Carlos Ferrero.
"I think Samuel, for me, is one of the best coaches that we have on tour," Alcaraz shared in a press conference ahead of a highly anticipated exhibition match against rising star Ben Shelton at Madison Square Garden.
This strategic move comes as Alcaraz aims to reclaim his position at the pinnacle of the rankings after finishing this year at number three.
"They trust each other 100 percent," Alcaraz explained, highlighting the strong rapport between his coaches. "Being able to travel with both, for me, it’s going to be great. I think I’m going to grow as a player thanks to them. I think we are going to work pretty hard and pretty good for the next season and the next years. Hopefully we are going to make good results together."
The decision marks a significant development in Alcaraz’s already impressive career. Samuel Lopez boasts an extensive track record, having coached Ferrero himself, and representing Spain on the Olympic stage in both 2000 and 2012. He recently parted ways with Pablo Carreno Busta after nine years of collaboration.
Alcaraz’s meteoric rise to fame began in 2022 when he became the youngest player ever to reach the top spot in the ATP rankings, a feat achieved after his stunning victory at the US Open. He’s since solidified his status as a tennis powerhouse, adding two Wimbledon titles and a French Open crown to his trophy cabinet. Notably, Ferrero, his long-time coach, won the French Open in 2003, further cementing the strong connection between the pair.
Beyond his technical expertise, Lopez is expected to bring fresh perspectives and strategies to Alcaraz’s game, synergies that could prove invaluable as the young Spaniard seeks to dominate the future of professional tennis.
Despite the addition of Lopez, Alcaraz emphasized the enduring bond he shares with Ferrero, the coach who shaped his career since the age of 15.
“My relationship with Juan Carlos remains strong," Alcaraz said. "I credit him for turning me into the player and person I am now. And we’re working collaboratively more than ever before.”
Alcaraz revealed a growing sense of agency within their established coaching dynamic. "They’re listening to me much more than before. Obviously when I was 16 years old I had nothing to say. I was just mouth closed and ears open and did whatever he said. Right now, I’m doing more things for myself, let’s say I’m taking more serious decisions."
He added, "So I think (we) both are doing great work together as a person as well just to make sure this relationship is still pretty good and the love that we have for each other is huge. So I admire him as a professional but as a person as well."
The New York tennis scene will be graced by more star power as US Open runner-up Jessica Pegula and semifinalist Emma Navarro join the Garden Cup lineup alongside Alcaraz and Shelton.
Alcaraz’s strategic coaching upgrade and exciting upcoming matches are sure to keep tennis fans on the edge of their seats as the countdown to the 2025 season intensifies.