“Fathers Don’t Know” – Carlos Alcaraz Opens Up on the Deeper Impact of the Men Behind the Scenes
From humble beginnings at Real Sociedad Club de Campo de Murcia, where his father worked as a coach and club administrator, Carlos Alcaraz began his tennis journey at the age of four. His father, Carlos Alcaraz Sr., was once a top-40 player in Spain before financial struggles ended his professional dreams. Yet despite his tennis background, Alcaraz Sr. chose not to coach his son directly through the elite stages.
Why?
In a recent interview with French journalist and filmmaker Loïc Prigent for Louis Vuitton’s Extended Podcast (April 2), the 21-year-old Grand Slam champion opened up about the dynamic with his father and the profound influence of his longtime coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero.
Ferrero joined Team Alcaraz in 2018, when Carlos was outside the top 100. Under his mentorship, Alcaraz rocketed to World No.1 and claimed four major titles. Reflecting on that partnership, Alcaraz said:
“I learned a lot from him—not just as a player but as a person. He taught me that what you do off the court has a big impact on how you perform on it.”
Yet behind the scenes, his father still played a guiding role—without ever stepping on court during training.
“He never wanted to mix being a father and a coach,” Alcaraz shared. “He always talked to my coaches, never directly to me. I think it helped me a lot. Because a lot of fathers don’t know how to balance being both.”
Even Roberto Bautista Agut praised Ferrero’s leadership, noting that “he’s doing a phenomenal job” because he’s been through the same journey
💡 More Insights From Alcaraz
Alcaraz has consistently credited Ferrero for not only shaping his game but also his personality. In a 2024 interview, he described him as:
“Tough when it comes to work and discipline… but very funny when he has to be. He knows how to balance everything.”
Ferrero joined Alcaraz’s team when the young Spaniard was just 15. By 19, Alcaraz made history as the youngest-ever ATP World No.1 following his 2022 US Open win.
“He’s family to me,” Alcaraz added. “I trust him 100%. He’s a key part of my life—professionally and personally.”
🎾 What’s Next?
After a strong start to the 2025 season—including a title in Rotterdam—Alcaraz hit a rough patch with underwhelming showings in Indian Wells and Miami. But with the French Open around the corner, and having lifted the trophy there last year, fans are eager to see whether he can do it again—with Ferrero at his side.
