“That is normal... like Zidane at Madrid”: Alcaraz’s coach Samuel López on player prestige vs. coaching experience

One of the news stories of the off-season was the separation of Carlos Alcaraz from his coach Juan Carlos Ferrero, and doubts arose around the name that would replace the long-term coach of the world No. 1.

It was none other than someone from his own team, as co-coach Samuel Lopez ended up being confirmed as the head coach, officially replacing Ferrero.

The former coach of Pablo Carreño Busta – unlike Ferrero – does not have the great career as a professional tennis player himself that Ferrero does, former world No. 1, Roland Garros champion, and a total of 16 titles (in addition to 18 other finals), which makes him one of the most successful Spanish players of the Open Era.

Lopez arrived at the end of 2025 to give Ferrero’s team a new air, and the evaluation within Alcaraz’s team was positive. After the disagreement with Ferrero, Lopez assumed full command.

“Absolutely nothing has changed. We already had everything planned,” he commented regarding his training sessions in an interview with Marca. “What we have added is that he [Alcaraz] is more involved. What has changed in my case is that the responsibility falls a little more on my figure. I do the work as best as I can, and then the fish is sold.”

Despite Lopez not having Ferrero’s trophies, Alcaraz has supported him and has pointed him out as one of the best – if not the best – coaches in the world. The coach acknowledged that it is normal to value coaches who had successful careers as players.

“That is normal. It also happens in other sports like football. When Zidane arrived at Madrid, the one who had been an elite player had an advantage compared to a coach coming from below.”

“Each one has their advantages and disadvantages. I have not been able to live the experiences of playing Grand Slam finals on court,” Lopez added.

“Yes, I have had the experience of accompanying people to the big rounds, like semifinals and finals. The figure of a former player who has been No. 1 is valued more than that of a coach who does not have that name. I appreciate Carlos’s words, and I do try to be one of the best, of course.”

The Spaniard has shown consistency in his latest Grand Slam campaigns, winning 36 of the last 37 sets he played until his quarterfinal victory over Alex de Minaur – and now awaiting what happens in his semifinal match against Alexander Zverev.

“Yes, it is something that has been worked on for a long time, the issue of concentration in matches. It is linked to a player’s maturity. We are talking about someone who enters the circuit and breaks all the records. It was something that had to mature. It has been worked on, and little by little it is achieved with some type of work to maintain attention. Every day there are fewer ups and downs, but they are still there. Because it is impossible to maintain a perfect line. He is doing very well.”

Lopez added that he still sees room for growth for Alcaraz, who is still seeking to complete the career Grand Slam at this Australian Open. “I believe Carlos is still maturing; we almost all do that. Learning to listen is the most important thing to know what they are telling you.”

“And then he is learning to communicate. The player grows with a discipline they are told to follow and do. There is the learning of the monkey, the horse, and the adolescent, the one who begins to mature and enters reflections. But reflections have to be given by giving your opinion, and Carlos is in that phase where he gives his opinion on what he believes and talks about it to reach an agreement.”