"Depends on how he's watching me": Carlos Alcaraz shares what coach Juan Carlos Ferrero tells him the most ahead of Miami Open
ATP
Carlos
Alcaraz shared the advice given to him by Juan Carlos Ferrero during matches
and emphasized the importance he places on the former world No. 1's on-court
support. Alcaraz's relationship with Ferrero has always been deeply close, and
Carlitos doesn't hesitate to praise him whenever he can.
This time
around, he's feeling his best about his tennis in several months after
defending his Indian Wells title and clinching his first trophy since the 2023
Wimbledon. The 20-year-old tennis star put an end to Jannik Sinner's 16-0
streak in 2024 and then defeated Daniil Medvedev in the final to add another
Masters 1000 title to his collection.
The current
world No. 2 addressed a press conference upon his arrival at the Miami Open and
highlighted Ferrero's influence on his level, including what happens sometimes
in the midst of a match: “It depends on how he’s watching me. If I’m struggling
a lot, if I’m in problems or not, he tells me depending on the moments,”
Alcaraz told reporters Tuesday in Miami. “But I can tell you one of the things
he tells me most is, ‘Smile.’”
“He means a
lot to me,” Alcaraz said. “Obviously it’s a great support when I have him in
the box. His support is really special to me. It’s been a long path together, I
think six years now. It’s been a long journey together. We started when I was
playing in juniors, he did Grade 4 [tournaments] travelling with me.
“We’ve done
great work together. I spend a lot of time with him at tournaments and
[outside] the tournaments as well. We have a really good relationship in the
professional part, but the personal part as well. I’ve learned a lot from him.”
Carlos
Alcaraz's strong performance at the Tennis Paradise raises hopes of getting his
season back on track. In Miami, he will aim to become the eighth man to achieve
the Sunshine Double, a feat last accomplished by Roger Federer in 2017: Principio del formulario
“I’m
feeling great, with a lot of confidence right now,” Alcaraz said. “I think I'm
playing great tennis. I’m really happy to be here in Miami again, a really
special place for me, where I’ve shown great tennis the past years. I’m feeling
great physically and mentally and I’m ready for this tournament,” he concluded.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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