Carlos Alcaraz gained safe passage into the second round of the Australian Open yesterday, although his performance was far from convincing.
Naturally, he cruised to a straight-sets victory, and pulled off some extraordinary shots along the way.
However, there were frailties in his game, the likes of which were very nearly exploited in a second set that went all the way to a tiebreak.
His win marked a start to life without Juan Carlos Ferrero by his side, and that could have certainly contributed to his struggles at times.
Alex Corretja, speaking to Eurosport, certainly feels like this split will have an impact.
Alex Corretja predicts how Carlos Alcaraz has been impacted by his coaching split
He spoke at length and with great passion on this subject, as someone who was likely sad to see Alcaraz and Ferrero part ways.
The former world number two claimed: “Honestly, we’ve all felt a sense of sadness about this separation.
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“It seems to have affected everyone in general because we adore Juan Carlos, because we adore Carlitos, because the duo was spectacular, because they got along well, because they were succeeding, and because it felt like their time together wasn’t over yet.
“So it seems like it’s all cut short sooner than we thought, or even than they wanted. But whatever the circumstances, right now they’re not together. Ferrero, who’s about to start with his new hopes, and especially Carlos, who’s going to be playing, will have to adapt.
“Because while the group has remained, the person, the flagship, and the leader of the group was undoubtedly Ferrero. He educated him, moulded him, taught him so many things, and I think that’s what right now, because maybe Carlos might miss something at some point, so well, thank you for everything Ferrero has taught us with Alcaraz during all this time and now we hope that Carlitos adapts well, that he doesn’t miss him too much and that he puts all that information he has into practice on the court.
“In the end, we can’t deny that the architect is Alcaraz because he’s the player, but he had someone behind him who was very important, although now he also has someone who knows him very well.”
Carlos Alcaraz defends Samu Lopez
Amidst all the drama of Ferrero’s exit from Carlos Alcaraz’s camp, it feels like people have forgotten what a great and competent coach Samu Lopez is.
After all, he has been with the young Spaniard for nearly a year now, and helped guide him to an outstanding campaign, including two Grand Slam titles, before finishing 2025 ranked as the world number one.
Alcaraz was keen to remind his critics of this, as he leapt to his defence.
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He told the Australian Open press: “Every person, every coach, is different. Some bring one thing, others bring another. He provides me with everything a coach can offer today.
“Samu hasn’t been a number one player or a professional tennis player in the top ranks, but he is a great technician. He hasn’t received the recognition he deserves. Many coaches have been suggested to me, and it’s unfair because he is one of the best or the best coach out there now. What he brings you is much of what not many other coaches can provide.”
