Carlos
Alcaraz and Juan Carlos Ferrero engaged in a playful “scuffle” as they threw
mock punches during a practice session at the Paris Masters. The close
relationship between the World No. 2 and his coach has been evident both on the
court and in training, where there’s always room for a laugh.
Alcaraz had
a strong debut at the Paris Masters, overcoming a tough challenge from Chile’s
Nicolas Jarry. The 4-time Grand Slam champion had to rally back from a 3-5
deficit in the first set, ultimately securing a straight-sets win, 7-5, 6-1, to
advance to the Round of 16.
In a video
shared on social media, Alcaraz is seen taking a break while sitting courtside
and chatting with his team, including former French Open champion Ferrero. At
one point, Ferrero jokingly lifted a bag and pretended to kick in Alcaraz’s
direction without making contact. Alcaraz joined in the fun, throwing a few
mock punches toward Ferrero as both laughed.
Up next,
Alcaraz will face World No. 49 Marcos Giron. The World No. 2 has only one
previous encounter against the American, which came at the Winston-Salem Open
in 2021 when a then-18-year-old Alcaraz claimed victory with a 7-6(2), 6-2 win
in the quarterfinals.
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.