Carlos Alcaraz is trying to win his first Australian Open. The ATP No. 1 is still only 22 years old and has won each of the other three majors twice each. He has been shut out in Melbourne. Maybe this year will be different, and with a different coach in charge.
Alcaraz parted ways with Juan Carlos Ferrero late in 2025, a move that stunned the tennis world. Ferrero has been the young Spaniard's lead coach since Alcaraz was 15 years old. They had plenty of success together, and there seemed to be no real reason for them not to keep working together. Alcaraz saw things differently.
Lots of rumors have swirled about why Alcaraz, for all intents and purposes, fired Ferrero, including the player wanting to open up his own tennis academy and not be linked to Ferrero's anymore, and off-court financial decisions. No matter the true reason, Ferrero was gone, and Samuel Lopez was Alcaraz's new lead coach.
Carlos Alcaraz pushes back on perceived Samuel Lopez disrespect
Lopez had been part of the coaching team while Ferrero was still involved, too, and many analysts have guessed that Alcaraz would replace Ferrero with a different coach while still keeping Lopez. That might not happen. The player appears perfectly fine with Lopez being his coach.
He told the media as much after winning his first-round match at the Australian Open in three sets against Adam Walton. To be fair, Alcaraz is focused on trying to win in Melbourne, and he is likely tired of fielding questions about a move he made more than a month before. Those decisions probably have little bearing on Alcaraz's 2026 success (or failure) at the Aussie Open.
Alcaraz told the media, "Every person, every coach, is different. Some bring one thing, others bring another. He provides me with everything a coach can offer today. (Lopez) hasn’t been a No 1 player or a professional tennis player in the top ranks, but he is a great technician. He hasn’t received the recognition he deserves."
Unfortunately for Carlos Alcaraz, Samuel Lopez might never get the recognition that the player thinks the coach deserves. Alcaraz was far too successful with Ferrero, and even if he maintains that same level, Ferrero will be the coach who led Alcaraz through his formative years on the ATP tour.
Lopez might be an excellent coach, and Alcaraz could win many Grand Slams with him. Ferrero will likely always be the coach viewed in higher esteem. Unless, of course, Alcaraz wins the Australian Open this year, led by Lopez, and then all bets are off.