Carlos Alcaraz’s Ex-Coach Juan Carlos Ferrero Explains What ‘Mature’ Alexander Zverev Has Finally Realized After Two Grand Slam Wins

Before joining Carlos Alcaraz‘s team, Juan Carlos Ferrero worked with Alexander Zverev. The 2003 French Open champion joined Sascha’s team mid-2017 and ended their partnership in February the following year after a heated argument at the Australian Open.

Ferrero accused Zverev of lacking discipline, saying he wanted the German to be professional on as well as off the court. Zverev accused him of being disrespectful toward his team. Also in an interview, Ferrero compared working with Alcaraz to that of Zverev, saying that with his fellow Spaniard, it wasn’t a “life of private jets and high-standard hotels.“

But now, Ferrero has only praise for his 29-year-old former protege. During his interview with Marca, Ferrero was asked whether he is happy to see Zverev finally breaking through to the top level.

Very much so. Because I think it’s good for tennis. It’s the moment when he can take a step forward and challenge both Jannik and Carlos for Grand Slam titles.

Zverev capitalized on the absence and physical setbacks of Jannik Sinner and Alcaraz, ending his Grand Slam title drought at the French Open by overcoming Flavio Cobolli. He added another Major to his tally by defeating home favorite Ben Shelton in the final of the US Open.

He’s a player who has matured, who is doing things better, and who has realized that evolving is one of the greatest motivations a tennis player can have, and that you really have to do it. The sport doesn’t run, it flies. People evolve very quickly, and he’s realized that. And it’s not too late for him to continue competing on equal terms. The results he’s achieved speak for themselves.

Juan Carlos Ferrero added  

Zverev, at present, is competing at the Shanghai Masters. He overcame Quentin Halys in the third round to schedule his next match against Alexander Bublik. Alcaraz is bidding to win his fourth title of the season in Shanghai after wins at the Australian Open, Qatar Open, and the Japan Open.

Juan Carlos Ferrero on the prospect of coaching Jannik Sinner

In an interview, Juan Carlos Ferrero said he is planning to be back on the tour as a coach next year without revealing who he will coach next. This started rumors of his partnership with Jannik Sinner, given that his current coach Darren Cahill wanted to retire from coaching last year but chose to remain in his team for this season.

Ferrero has now made it clear that he has not yet signed a contract with anyone. Also, about the possibility of coaching Sinner, Ferrero said that if he ever joins the Italian’s team, it will not be to take his revenge on Carlos Alcaraz.

No, not really. It’s true that I haven’t watched much lately, but I have heard things. I’ve heard a lot of people say, especially Carlos’s fans, that it would be a bad thing if I were to coach Jannik. Ultimately, they have to understand that in my career, if I want to progress, I’ll try to be with interesting players who can give me that motivation and enthusiasm to keep going. If one day I coach Jannik, I hope they understand and don’t take it as a betrayal of Carlos, which is certainly not my intention.

Juan Carlos Ferrero told Marca

Sinner was last seen in action in the final of Wimbledon. He defended his title by defeating Alexander Zverev. Due to a knee injury, the five-time Grand Slam champion was forced to end his season. Apart from Wimbledon, he also took home five back-to-back Masters 1000 titles, winning in Indian Wells, Miami, Monte Carlo, Madrid, and Rome.

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