'Doesn't Matter': Alcaraz Gives Honest Response To Coach Ferrero's Absence In Rotterdam
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The 2025 Rotterdam Open is a rare tournament where Carlos Alcaraz is not competing with Juan Carlos Ferrero, but the Spaniard outlined why he is not concerned by his long-term coach not being present.
Ferrero has been Alcaraz's coach since he was a teenager. The former French Open winner has been repeatedly praised by the 21-year-old for significantly impacting his career and helping him succeed.
Alcaraz hired Samuel Lopez, Pablo Carreno Busta's ex-coach, ahead of the 2025 ATP season. Despite the great work Ferrero has done with Alcaraz, having another experienced coach can be helpful.
Ferrero's absence from the Rotterdam Open might indicate that he does not want to travel as extensively as in previous years. Therefore, it would be necessary to have another coach with whom Alcaraz can work regularly.
However, it is impossible to know for sure. Ferrero might skip the ATP 500 tournament and return for the rest of the tournaments alongside Lopez throughout Alcaraz's 2025 season.
Alcaraz won his opening match of the Rotterdam Open against Botic van de Zandschulp. This was the four-time Grand Slam champion's first victory at the tournament, which he had never played at before.
In his press conference after beating van de Zandschulp, Alcaraz was asked about Ferrero's absence in Rotterdam. Some might be surprised to hear that he said it did not matter at all because of Lopez's presence.
"It doesn't matter, it's clear that I love spending time with Juan Carlos, but Samu is also a great coach whom I trust 100%. I trained with Juanki at home, and he knows me perfectly, Samu also knows me, I trust him 100%, so nothing changes."
Alcaraz training with Ferrero at home before the tournament probably removed any potential worry he had, but the former ATP world No. 1 was clear in his response that Lopez is someone he trusts regardless of any other factors.
Ferrero and Alcaraz's partnership is among the most successful seen on the ATP Tour in recent years. Darren Cahill's impact on Jannik Sinner is probably the most comparable case that can be seen anywhere else in the men's game.
A potential final between Alcaraz and Sinner was prevented by the Italian's withdrawal from the Rotterdam Open. He decided additional rest was needed after winning the 2025 Australian Open and his third Grand Slam overall.
Sinner's achievements in the last year have led to some claiming he is the best player in the world. Alexander Zverev, who Sinner defeated in the recent Australian Open final, said that during the trophy ceremony.
Naomi Osaka's coach, Patrick Mouratoglou, disagreed with Zverev and thinks Sinner should not be considered better than Alcaraz. He pointed to the Spaniard's higher number of Grand Slams won and wins against his fellow young rival in significant matches.
However, Alcaraz's view of the situation aligns with Zverev. The 21-year-old recently said Sinner should be considered the best in the world because of his consistency during the last year, which has been superior to anyone else.
