Ferrero reflects on Alcaraz's season turning point: "Monte-Carlo was a decisive moment"

Honored at the ATP Awards, Juan Carlos Ferrero looks back on a season as brilliant as it was eventful. Between doubts, frank discussions, and a breakthrough in Monte-Carlo, Alcaraz's mentor reveals the secrets of a return to the top.

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Adrien Guyot

le 12/12/2025 à 11h38

2 min to read

Alcaraz Carlos Ferrero Juan

This Thursday, Juan Carlos Ferrero was honored. The historic coach of Carlos Alcaraz received the Coach of the Year award at the ATP Awards, alongside Samuel Lopez.

This season, the world number one won eight titles, including two Grand Slams (Roland-Garros and the US Open), and reclaimed the ATP ranking throne after his final victory against his great rival Jannik Sinner at Flushing Meadows.

However, the machine started slowly but surely. At the very beginning of the year, Alcaraz couldn't find the right rhythm. The 22-year-old Spaniard fell in the quarterfinals of the Australian Open against a one-legged Novak Djokovic, before losing in the semifinals at Indian Wells to Jack Draper.

Alcaraz then surprisingly fell in his opening match in Miami against David Goffin. A defeat that also marked a turning point in the mindset of the Alcaraz camp.

"He lost a bit of confidence in himself"

"Carlos (Alcaraz) had just won the Rotterdam tournament, where he delivered an excellent performance. But at Indian Wells and Miami, he lost a bit of confidence in himself. It was a difficult period, not because of the loss to Goffin, but because of how it happened.

He was affected, and we discussed it upon our return. We talk a lot with him, but when we see he is irritable or weak at a certain point in the season, we always discuss a bit more from a psychological perspective and as friends, rather than as coaches.

"Monte-Carlo gave him the confidence he needed"

Winning in Monte-Carlo, without playing very well but with an impeccable attitude, really helped him see things more clearly for the rest of the season. From there, he reached many finals, achieved incredible results in Grand Slam tournaments... But Monte-Carlo was a decisive moment.

It gave him the confidence he needed, and from there, he was able to achieve incredible results. The goal is for Carlos to be at 100% and make the most of his talent.

We achieve this through hard work and discipline, but also by finding enjoyment and joy in what we do. In that regard, I might be a bit stricter and more serious," he stated for the ATP website.