“It doesn’t matter” – Carlos Alcaraz makes his feelings clear on coach Juan Carlos Ferrero’s absence during Rotterdam campaign
Carlos Alcaraz Addresses Juan Carlos Ferrero’s Absence at the ABN AMRO Open
Carlos Alcaraz has shed light on the absence of his longtime coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero, during his campaign at the 2025 ABN AMRO Open. Despite missing Ferrero’s presence in his player’s box, the World No. 3 assured that it wasn’t affecting his performance at the ATP 500 event in Rotterdam.
Alcaraz entered the tournament seeking redemption against Botic van de Zandschulp after suffering a shocking second-round loss to the Dutchman at the 2024 US Open. This time, the 21-year-old Spaniard battled through a tense 7-6(3), 3-6, 6-1 victory in a physically demanding two-hour and 33-minute encounter.
Alcaraz on Coping Without Ferrero in Rotterdam
Speaking in his post-match press conference, Alcaraz was asked whether Ferrero’s absence had impacted his performance. While he has previously acknowledged how much he values his mentor’s advice, he made it clear that he was unaffected, thanks to the presence of Samuel López, his newly appointed second coach.
“Well, it doesn’t matter, honestly. I love being with Juan Carlos, but I just hired a really good coach like Samu, who I trust 100%. Right now, when I was at home, I was practicing with him, so he knows me pretty well. It’s a trust, and it doesn’t make any difference,” Alcaraz said.
Handling First-Match Nerves in Rotterdam
Alcaraz also admitted that he felt nervous at the start of his match against van de Zandschulp, which he attributed to adjusting to the packed stadium atmosphere.
“I started really nervous, but I think it’s normal. The first match in every tournament is never easy. I just had to get used to my first match here in Rotterdam. You have to get used to playing with a full crowd—it’s totally different. I’m just happy to get used to it,” he said.
Despite the challenging opener, Alcaraz remained determined to improve his level as he continued his pursuit of a maiden indoor hard-court title.
“[I had to] stay really focused in the tough moments, keep pushing, and trust that the good tennis will come again. I’m happy to get through a difficult match and have a chance to get better in the next round,” he added.
Next Challenge in Rotterdam
Following his hard-fought victory, Alcaraz advances to the second round, where he will face the winner of Felix Auger-Aliassime vs. Andrea Vavassori. A potential quarterfinal showdown with Holger Rune could be on the horizon as the tournament progresses.
