Ferrero giving Alcaraz reason to smile in Sunshine Double quest

Author: Reuters

Indian Wells champion Carlos Alcaraz has plenty to smile about heading into this week’s Miami Open with long-time coach Juan Carlos Ferrero helping him regain top form after a brief absence from his box at the start of the season.

Former world number one Ferrero, who retired from playing in 2012, underwent knee surgery and was absent from the Australian Open, where 20-year-old Alcaraz lost in the quarter-finals to Alexander Zverev.

Ferrero, the French Open champion in 2003, returned to his Spanish compatriot’s dugout in time for Alcaraz’s run to the semi-finals in Buenos Aires before an injured ankle saw the world number two pull out of his opener in Rio de Janeiro.

However, Alcaraz picked up his first title of the season in the Californian desert on Sunday and paid tribute to 44-year-old Ferrero’s “special” support.

“It depends on how he’s watching me. If I’m struggling a lot, if I’m in problems or not, he tells me depending on the moments,” Alcaraz told reporters on Tuesday. “But one of the things he tells me most is to smile.

“He means a lot to me. It’s a great support when I have him in the box. His support is special to me. It’s been a long path together, six years now.

“We’ve done great work together. I spend a lot of time with him at tournaments and (outside) as well. We have a really good relationship in the professional part, but the personal part as well. I’ve learned a lot from him.”

Twice Grand Slam champion Alcaraz is looking to become the first man since Roger Federer in 2017 to complete the “Sunshine Double” and will face Aleksandar Vukic or Roberto Carballes Baena first in Miami.

“I’m playing great tennis. I’m really happy to be in Miami again, a special place, where I’ve shown great tennis the past years,” said Alcaraz.

“I’m feeling great physically and mentally. I’m ready for this tournament.”

Share
Leave a Comment

Recent Posts

  • Technology

Digital Innovation: Transforming Pakistan’s Trade Infrastructure

  Pakistan's logistics industry stands at a critical crossroads, grappling with significant challenges that impede…

4 hours ago
  • Top Stories

EU expresses concern over military court sentences against May 9 rioters

The European Union (EU) has expressed concern over the sentencing of 25 individuals involved in…

4 hours ago
  • Pakistan

Ahsan Kamray Elected President of Lahore Garrison University Alumni Association

Lahore Garrison University (LGU) celebrated a milestone event as its Department of Mass Communication organized…

4 hours ago
  • Fashion

Neo Hum Bridal Couture Week 2024: Grand Finale Celebrates Fashion and Social Change

Lahore, Pakistan – December 22, 2024 – The highly anticipated finale of Neo Hum Bridal…

4 hours ago
  • Top Stories

US lifts $10 million bounty on new Syrian leader after talks in Damascus

The United States has removed a $10 million bounty on Ahmed al-Sharaa, the leader of…

5 hours ago
  • Pakistan

Accountability Court postpones verdict in £190 million case

An accountability court hearing the £190 million case involving Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan…

5 hours ago