The story of Carlos Alcaraz’s rise has been told in many ways - through his explosive game, his fearless attitude, and his rapid takeover of men’s tennis. But behind that ascent lies another narrative, one shaped not just by talent but by a pivotal choice made years ago by the man who would become his guide: Juan Carlos Ferrero. It’s a decision that continues to fascinate the tennis world, especially as new insights emerge about why the former world number one chose to mentor a young, unproven teenager instead of joining forces with already established stars.

For Antonio Martinez Cascales, several decades in tennis have brought him face-to-face with every kind of talent - raw, refined, promising, and proven. Yet as he sits down with Carlos Calderon on the latest episode of the Llamada a Pista podcast, there’s a spark in his voice when the conversation drifts to one name that has been recently dominating the sport’s present and future: Carlitos. And inevitably, that journey circles back to the man who chose to guide him from boyhood promise to global stardom. Cascales, who has mentored both Ferrero and Alcaraz through the now-iconic Ferrero Tennis Academy, paints a vivid picture of the moment that shaped two careers at once.

When he was asked to share his thoughts about Juan Carlos Ferrero’s decision to coach young Carlos Alcaraz, he revealed, “Juan Carlos had offers from the best players, from the Top 10 at that time. Thiem called him Del Potro, Goffin, Halep... He told me he didn't want to take someone who was already established because he didn't want to be a nobody on the court. For me, it was relatively surprising. I know what Juan Carlos is like and what he saw in him. He hasn't changed his essence. He's a super nice guy, super grateful…”

Ferrero retired from the sport in 2012, and almost five years later, he became the coach of the German star Alexander Zverev. He won two ATP Masters 1000 titles with him, but their partnership ended in February 2018. Following that, he took up the role of guiding his compatriot to stardom. His journey with Alcaraz started in 2019; the youngster was then just 15 years old. So, it’s now almost six years since their partnership started, and guess what?

Carlos Alcaraz is not just the world number one now. But he won 2x French Open, 2x Wimbledon, 2x US Open, and 7x ATP Masters 1000 titles under his guidance. What a journey this has been for these two!

How does Cascales analyze the work he has done with someone like Alcaraz? Well, in that same interview, he revealed that when Alcaraz was 16, Ferrero had asked him if he thought Carlitos would become the world number one in the near future. In reply, he said, “He's going to be number one unless something happens, like an injury or he loses his mind.' He seemed like a very special player. Juan Carlos has done a much better job than I thought he would.”

With Alcaraz, they found a black canvas bursting with color. A teenager fearless in ambition, joyful spirit, and relentless in work. They saw not just potential, but a chance to shape a legacy. Both Cascales and Ferrero have played a crucial role in Alcaraz’s rapid rise.

Antonio Martinez Cascales also hailed Carlos Alcaraz as a great student. “Carlos is a top 5 athlete in the world. Of course, it's not easy. There are many things surrounding him, but it's what we aspired to and what we've achieved. When he was 18, it was easier because there wasn't the media attention that there is now. It was much easier to navigate. He's always been easy to coach.” 

Since Cascales has seen both Ferrero and Alcaraz from a closer distance, it now leads to our next question:

How different is Carlos Alcaraz from Juan Carlos Ferrero?

Antonio Martinez Cascales and Juan Carlos Ferrero have now spent years watching Carlos Alcaraz grow from a fearless academy kid into one of the sport’s most electrifying stars. So when the two tennis minds reflect on his rise, it becomes more than just a discussion - it’s a journey through the moments, decisions, and instincts that shaped a generational talent.

In March 2023, during an interview, Cascales admitted, “Since he (Alcaraz) arrived at the academy when he was 15 years old, it was clear to me that whenever he was on the court, he was going to do something that I would never have seen in my life. I installed cameras on all the courts; I knew that this boy was special, and I did not want to miss anything of his progression. He thought differently from other players his age.”

Having said that, he also added that he expected him to win at least 7-8 Grand Slams by the time he is 25. Guess what? At 22, Carlos Alcaraz already has 6!

In that same interview, even Ferrero spoke highly about this youngster. “Our bond goes beyond tennis. Taking on the role of coach when he was only 15 years old was a great challenge for me. I wanted to develop a young tennis player from the grassroots to the elite, just like Antonio did with me. I was clear that I could do it, but everything has happened faster than expected.” Through their eyes, Alcaraz’s ascent becomes not just a success story but the natural outcome of a partnership built on trust, hunger, and unwavering belief.

How does Cascales compare Alcaraz to someone like Ferrero, though? The coach, who won the ATP Coach of the Month in July 2024, said that although off the court, these two are quite different, but on the court (apart from their games), they are very similar. According to him, they always had what it takes to be world number one. He says both Carlos Alcaraz and Juan Carlos Ferrero are very humble, and it’s very easy to work with them.

Further speaking about the differences, he added, “As I was saying, off the court, Juan Carlos is very level-headed and shy. On the other hand, Carlos is more active and open. In terms of their games, Ferrero was a more solid player with a more organized game, while Carlitos is more creative. He always surprises us.”

Two different personalities blending into a perfect mentor-protégé dynamic. What are your thoughts on the contributions of both Cascales and Ferrero in Alcaraz’s journey from a rising star to a superstar, though?

Written by

Sayantan Roy

Sayantan Roy is a seasoned tennis journalist at EssentiallyTennis. He brings a deep tactical understanding to his coverage, breaking down head-to-head records, match dynamics, and on-court strategies with precision. For more than two years, Sayantan has been a key member of the Live Events desk, delivering real-time insights and data-backed predictions for the platform’s Matchday Preview section. His analytical approach has sparked editorial debates and drawn recognition from respected tennis voices, including commentator and analyst Olly_Tennis. Combining his experience in writing with a passion for insightful sports journalism, Sayantan’s work serves as a trusted reference point for tennis fans around the world.

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