"Working with Zverev was not easy for me" says Juan Carlos Ferrero on difference between Alexander Zverev and Carlos Alcaraz
ATP
Juan Carlos
Ferrero commented on the differences between coaching Carlos Alcaraz and his
former protege Alexander Zverev. The Spaniard began working with 'Sascha' in
July 2017 when the German was the world No. 11 at 20 years old. Their
collaboration lasted only 7 months as they decided to part ways in February
2018 due to alleged differences between them.
In 2019,
Ferrero started coaching the 16-year-old Carlos Alcaraz, a promising junior
talent, and has been with him throughout his early career. Ferrero emphasized
in 2022: “I know I needed something like that (working with Alcaraz) because
working with Zverev was not easy for me,” he told Eurosport.
“It is not
the same culture and he understands in a slightly different way what it means
to be professional. He needed to reset a bit and work with someone who had the
same character as me and who wanted the same for the future and I think I found
that in Carlos.”
Ferrero
responded to an interview with the Spanish newspaper La Nación and mentioned
the satisfaction he feels coaching Alcaraz: “Here there was a big change: when I was
training Zverev and I left him to train Carlos, Zverev was 5th in the world, he
was a very mature player, even though he is young,” he said.
“I found
myself with few possibilities to change certain things that, in my opinion, I
needed [for Zverev] to be a better professional and continue improving. He
thought other things… Very well, we have come this far.
Read also
“And with
Carlos, I was able to cook a player who already obviously had impressive
characteristics, with a dynamism that at 15 years old is seen very little, but
that had to be ordered, polished, manufactured.
“I think
that, between the family and the team… his father (Carlos Alcaraz Gonzalez) is
an expert in the world of tennis, he has been a tennis player and he did well
to know how to surround himself with people with experience.
“We have
been able, together, to remove a player who had it inside him. He still has
many things to improve, but for being twenty years old. It’s impossible that he
doesn’t have things to improve.”
Ferrero
also highlighted the fact that Alcaraz comes from a quiet town like El Palmar
in southern Spain, where around 23,000 people live: “Yes, for me that is
important. When you are from a city where you have many distractions, it is
very easy to lose your way a little,” Ferrero said.
“When you
come from a family like his, of athletes, and you live in a place where the
atmosphere is full of sports, a small place, it helps. The example I had with
myself was like this. I was in a place with 40,000 inhabitants, small, quiet,
but that helped me to be calm in the academy, training,” former French Open
champion added.
“Not being
the focus of attention, that if you go out to dinner they will take a photo, in
the magazines of this or that, the disco very close at hand, many distractions
— and I think that helps him,” Ferrero 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.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- One step by another step -- WTA continues to 'lose the plot'. Too many hi-tech microphones being installed at most venues!!! Remove them (especially those along the hallways, sidewalks, and pathways throughout the venues. Not to mention (most of all) remove the mic's from the Players/Coaches Box.
mandoist06-11-2026 - Enough of her bullshit. Go marry someone.mandoist06-11-2026
- Don't you just love this young lady!? We fans often expect athletes to be supermen and superwomen, often forgetting that they WILL GET TIRED! I love Alex's perspective. Tiredness for an athlete should never be viewed as a negative, especially if you are healthy, taking care of your body and mental health and putting in the work. What a mature perspective. Good for you, Alex!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Jess is absolutely correct! But the disrespect is a trait I have noticed in most of the Russian players. Mirra is good but very immature and lacks humility. Conceivable needs to get a handle on that!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Having spent weeks and weeks through the years on tour, I can say with confidence that Conchita was (is) one of the very few who realize the surprising level of maturity (and sometimes lack of) which Mirra seems to have developed in such a demanding adult world of Pro-Tennis. While at the same time reminding herself (Conchita, that is) that Mirra is still young and developing mentally and physically. The general public may forget at times, or not at all realize, these modern era young athletes do not have a 'normal' Youth. It's a major sacrifice, among countless sacrifices, these athletes must make. People who blow-off that fact are ignorant and unfair when they blurt out, "They choose fame so they have to put up with the intrusions on their lives". No, they do not.mandoist05-11-2026
- Okay... someone with a camera was EAVESDROPPING on a private conversation. Shouldn't that be the point of discussion here? Regardless of the sensationalist crap by media, Pegula (and anyone) has a right to an opinion. There used to be an expectation that private conversations were respected, regardless of 'stardom' and whatever other defensive excuses media tries to shove in our faces. Boo-hoo if feelings are hurt. BTW: Having been employed at various tourney venues, etc., I can't tell you how nasty and offensive players can be when discussing their opponents and colleagues... in "private". Well, I could, but won't. I also challenge anyone to deny what Jessica said is false.mandoist05-11-2026
- Vacherot is Mongasque, rather than Swiss. The tournament was Swiss :DTrwd7702-11-2026
- After a couple decades traveling to IIHF tourneys overseas... our family is done with it... and I will not be the only one!! Bad enough the NHL allows Ovachenko (a Putin Supporter and Campaigner) to live and play in the USA. Let's not forget the STATE SPONSORED RUSSIAN DOPING PROGRAMS still in effect today.mandoist31-10-2026
- Osaka's mental state apparently does not allow her to reach any more Quarter Finals? I mean, she doesn't really have the time for tennis with all the pre-planning that must go into her 12 year-old "fashion" goals.mandoist29-10-2026
- With her money one would think she could afford a better team of Psychiatrists?mandoist29-10-2026
