Watching Juan Carlos Ferrero in the perimeters of the player box evokes a keenness to the highest order and measured calmness that few tennis coaches can match.
But on Sunday, even the man nicknamed 'Mosquito' during his playing days was perhaps the noisiest person inside centre court. Ferrero was emotionally invested in the nail-biting and nerve-shredding drama that saw his charge come extremely close to beating Novak Djokovic for a second time this season.
Carlos Alcaraz has previously stated the unshakable bond that the pair of them enjoy, and he's called him a father figure in his development to become the player he is. Ferrero most certainly played an integral role to keep Alcaraz's interest in the match, spilling instructions just when it looked like Alcaraz began to tighten up in his service games.
Alcaraz was captured cramping in his right hand. As reported by Marca, Ferrero was determined to spur the 20-year-old to loosen up and play with freedom on every swing. That was certainly evident as Alcaraz saved match points galore in a thrilling third set in the 2023 Cincinnati Masters final.
"Come on, come on, point by point. I know it's hard for you, but you have to go up with the serve. Don't give up, don't give up, come on. Hold on, hold on. Be very attentive to the climbs. The one before you fail because you make too much effort, loose, loose. Relax and continue."
Ferrero was keen to remind Alcaraz that even at 4-5 down in the decider, he was still capable of breaking back, pointing out how Zverev managed to do a similar thing 24 hours earlier in the semifinal. The former ATP No. 1 then directed Alcaraz to bide his time on serve even at the expense of a time violation warning.
"Zverev broke him with 5-4 the other day. Let go, let go, if they whistle a 'warning', let them whistle it. He is very attentive to the open, watch out."
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