Carlos Alcaraz’s 2026 season is arguably one of the most hotly anticipated in recent memory.
After all, it marks the Spaniard’s penultimate chance to win the Australian Open and be the youngest player ever to complete the career Grand Slam.
The 22-year-old has spoken about how much this accomplishment means to him on numerous occasions, but there are fears that all this speculation will only add to the pressure ahead of the first major of the year.
However, Carlos Alcaraz’s coaches, Juan Carlos Ferrero and Samu Lopez, have now revealed the real goal they have set their protégé for the 2026 season, which does not include silverware in Melbourne.
Carlos Alcaraz’s coaches preview his 2026 season
Chatting with the ATP earlier this week, after the team was recognised as the coaches of the year for their work leading Alcaraz to another two major titles, it was Lopez who first outlined his hopes for the new season.
He admitted: “Our mission is to keep his ambition awake.
“Knowing Carlos, it is not going to happen, but obviously you don’t have to settle for what he has achieved.”
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Ferrero then added: “From now on, that motivation has to go in crescendo, we want to achieve great things that are within the reach of very few, continue to be very motivated and not settle for anything, always go for more with that joy that characterises him and that infects all of us.”
Lopez, reflecting on what he has added to this team, then noted: “Perhaps I have contributed freshness, because Juan Carlos has been with him for seven years and I arrive new, I know the team and each of us has contributed the same, but in a different way. Above all, we have insisted a lot that there should be joy when it comes to working.”
Ferrero concluded by issuing his goal for Alcaraz: “The goal is for Carlos to work 100% and bring out the talent he has inside. We do it with work and discipline, but at the same time with joy and happiness. In that aspect, I may be a little stricter and more serious in that regard. And Samuel is more open and joking, but at the same time with that seriousness that is needed when it comes to work.”
Carlos Alcaraz is desperate to win the Australian Open and complete the career Grand Slam
Given the way in which his career has gone so far, Alcaraz could be forgiven for desperately wanting to secure this latest piece of history.
After all, it would arguably mark the greatest success of his career thus far, achieving a feat that few others in tennis’ history have, and before even the great Rafael Nadal managed.
What do you think about Carlos Alcaraz’s decision to play in exhibition events?
However, with that in mind, the six-time Grand Slam champion has not been scared of publicising his desire to achieve that goal.
Alcaraz can learn from Pete Sampras’ warning regarding this topic, and the desperation around winning just one event. Hopefully, even if he doesn’t win the 2026 Australian Open, the youngster can still enjoy a hugely successful 2026 season laden with more silverware.
