Carlos Alcaraz's achievements have been honored at the academy of the man who has contributed so much to his development.
Juan Carlos Ferrero has been Alcaraz's coach since he first came onto the ATP Tour. However, his influence on the two-time Grand Slam champion's career goes back even further than that.
Alcaraz began playing at the academy, where his father was the director. But in 2018, he started to train at Ferrero's academy, and their partnership has continued ever since.
Ferrero was present at the unveiling of the court naming. He said a few words in honor of Alcaraz's achievements, and the 20-year-old responded with some complimentary remarks about the impact Ferrero has had.
The unveiling was also notable for one other reason. One of Alcaraz's biggest rivals was also present to witness this proud moment in the Wimbledon champion's life.
Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner have been training together, with the Italian visiting the Ferrero Academy for these sessions. Both commented positively about these practice sessions on social media after they took place.
Sinner can be seen in the video of the unveiling looking very pleased for his on-court rival. The ATP Finals runner-up has his phone out taking a video, and is smiling widely as Alcaraz is being honoured.
This demonstrates the genuine respect and friendship that exists between the pair. Many tennis rivalries in the sport's history were based on mutual animosity. That does not apply to these two, and it is difficult to see that changing in the future.
It has been reported that Ferrero will not be present with Alcaraz at the Australian Open, as he recovers from surgery. That could make this gesture by his coach at the academy mean even more to him as he prepares to compete without him.
Alcaraz is not scheduled to play any warm-ups before the Australian Open, and will seek to win a maiden title in Melbourne without much match practice behind him.
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