“Never Wanted to Mix”- Carlos Alcaraz Reveals How His Father Avoided the One Mistake Tennis Dads Often Make
“My father is a huge fan of tennis. He doesn’t just watch my matches—he’s at the club from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., watching everything,” Carlos Alcaraz once shared. His father, Carlos Alcaraz Sr., made headlines during Wimbledon 2023 for filming Novak Djokovic’s practice session—just before his son won the title. Two years later, Carlos Jr. is shedding light on why his father never stepped into the role of his coach—despite being deeply embedded in the sport.
Carlos Sr., a former pro ranked among the top 40 in Spain, was the director at Real Sociedad Club de Campo de Murcia, where a young Carlos first swung a racket. He introduced his son to tennis at age 4 and nurtured his early development. But when the time came for serious coaching, he passed the reins to Juan Carlos Ferrero, a former World No. 1.
In a recent appearance on Louis Vuitton’s Extended (Season 2, Episode 3), Alcaraz recalled his early training days. “When I was eight or nine, on weekends I’d ask him to go to the club and hit balls for an hour. But during the week, I had my coach and my group—he never stepped on the court during those sessions,” said the reigning French Open champion.
Carlos emphasized how his father made a conscious decision to keep his roles as a parent and tennis guide separate. “He always respected the role of a father. He never wanted to mix being a dad and a coach. And that helped me a lot.”
A Bond Beyond the Baseline
This isn’t the first time Carlos has expressed admiration for his dad. After defeating Thiago Seyboth Wild at the 2024 Madrid Open, he turned to the camera with a birthday tribute: “This one’s for you, Dad! Congratulations!” The emotional gesture highlighted the close connection they share—a bond built on mutual respect and support, not over-involvement.
Ferrero: The Guiding Force Behind the Champion
While his father laid the foundation, it was Juan Carlos Ferrero who polished the gem. Since teaming up in 2019, Ferrero has helped Carlos capture four Grand Slam titles, five Masters 1000 trophies, and a silver medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Reflecting on their journey, Alcaraz said, “Probably thanks to Juan Carlos, I’m the player I am today. At the beginning, we spent a lot of time together, traveling just him and me. I learned a lot—not just as a player, but as a person.”
Ferrero’s teachings extended beyond tennis technique. “He taught me how important life off the court is. Since I was 16 or 17, I’ve paid more attention to how my actions off the court impact my game,” Carlos added.
Looking Ahead: The Monte Carlo Challenge
With 17 ATP titles under his belt, Carlos now heads into the Monte Carlo Masters hungry for more. As the clay season begins, the question looms: Can Alcaraz conquer red clay once again?
What’s Your Take?
Did Carlos Alcaraz’s father make the right choice by staying out of the coaching role? Should more tennis parents follow his example?
Share your thoughts below.
