Juan Carlos Ferrero aims to gain Carlos Alcaraz ATP Finals edge with this move

Carlos Alcaraz will hope to have an ace up his sleeve compared to the rest of his opponents at the ATP Finals in the coming days after his coach Juan Carlos Ferrero installed the same surface used for the year end tournament at his Academy.

Alcaraz began his indoor hardcourt season at the Paris Masters but it was a bit of a damp squibb for the Spaniard who lost poorly to Ugo Humbert who is now into the semi-finals which will take place later on Saturday. He elected not to play in Vienna or Basel either during the previous week.

He was confident of doing better than last year where he lost second round to Roman Safiullin. But he said himself that he did not like the court and was shocked about how much quicker it got in the mean time compared to previous years. Ugo Humbert ended Alcaraz's hopes in a 6-1, 3-6, 7-5 win and now it is back to the drawing board.

Alcaraz didn't get why organisers had made the courts quicker than previous years so is battling to combat that. MARCA reported that Ferrero has taken steps to give Alcaraz an edge by having the same surface that will be used at the ATP Finals installed at his academy for Alcaraz to practice on beforehand.

But also given the brand that is used, it can also be used to help with Davis Cup Finals preparation as he will play in that straight after in Malaga. There the pressure will be on though as he will be alongside Rafael Nadal in his final professional appearance. It could be that the Nadalcaraz train resumes and he ends up back with the great 22-time Grand Slam champion playing doubles. Having preparation on that surface will aid him as a result for both future assignments.