18-year-old Carlos Alcaraz recently won his first ATP title at the Croatia Open 2021. The Spaniard defeated Richard Gasket in the finals of the tournament to clinch his maiden title. However, it will be unfair if one doesn’t give adequate amount of credit to his coach for his recent accomplishment.

Former World No.1 Juan Carlos Ferrero is the current coach of Carlos Alcaraz. Back in his days, Ferrero had been an incredible player on the ATP Circuit and even won the French Open title in 2003.

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When did Juan Carlos Ferrero begin coaching Carlos Alcaraz?

Ferrero knows Alacaraz for a very long time now. He started coaching him in September 2018 when the Spaniard was just 15-years-old. Thus, he has been there with Alcaraz since his early days on the ITF circuit.

“He has a very good level. I know he’s 16 years old and he’s very far away still from professional but it was a good opportunity for me to reset a little as a coach after the experience that I had with [Alexander] Zverev,” said Ferrero in an old interview.

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How did Carlos Alcaraz and Juan Carlos Ferrero meet?

Ferrero currently runs the JC Ferrero- Equelite Tennis Academy in Spain. It was here when Ferrero first noticed Alcaraz and started training him personally soon afterwards. Spread across 120.000 square metres, the Academy has produced some of the best talents including Spanish player Pablo Carreno Busta.

“I have a lot of junior players in my academy. I have the experience to be with them and I just landed in the junior world but I’m seeing a very good level. A lot of things that Carlos has to improve are different in the world of a junior and the world of a professional,” added Ferrero in the same interview.

Impact of Ferrero on Alcaraz

The Spanish coach has definitely improved Alcaraz’s technique and gameplay over the years. Alcaraz has won 3 ITF, 4 ATP Challenger 125 trophies , and 1 ATP 250 titles under him to date.

The Spaniard made history at the Mutua Madrid Open 2021 after becoming the youngest player to win a match there. He later went on and reached the third round of the French Open 2021.

With his recent success, many fans have started comparing Carlos Alacaraz to Rafael Nadal. Will he be able to continue the legacy of he 20-time Grand Slam champion?

Also Read: “Just Don’t Eat the Whole Cake”: Rafael Nadal to Carlos Alcaraz After Crushing Him at Mutua Madrid Open 2021