Samuel Lopez, Alcaraz's new co-coach: "Ferrero remains the boss

During the winter pre-season, Carlos Alcaraz added a new member to his team in Samuel Lopez, ex-coach of Pablo Carreno Busta.

The Spanish coach had already accompanied Alcaraz to a number of tournaments in the past, but will now officiate as n°2 behind Juan Carlos Ferrero. And as n°1 coach when Ferrero is absent.

In a lengthy interview with Puntodebreak, Lopez explained the role he will have alongside Ferrero for the 2025 season: "They (Ferrero and Alcaraz) accumulate years, trips and tensions...

A lot of responsibility falls on the coach, so having the support of a second voice is important.

It's a new figure who can bring you freshness.

We've planned the season. Juan Carlos will start in Australia and I'll start in Rotterdam and, I think, Dubai. Together they'll go on to Indian Wells and Miami.

On clay, I'll start the period, but I think we'll both be in the box in Barcelona and Madrid, for example.

For the Grand Slams (Roland Garros, Wimbledon, US Open), we'll both be there."

Although he will be absent more than in previous years, Ferrero will be as committed as ever to his protégé: "He's very involved, very happy and very motivated with the project and the team.

The idea is for him to remain the head coach, the boss.

For those who say we're on the same level, the reality is quite different. I'm very close to Alcaraz, but Juan Carlos is in charge."