Besides being the current number 1 in the world and having to defend his position against Jannik Sinner’s attack, the 22-year-old Spaniard will also have to prove that he can win without his great mentor Juan Carlos Ferrero.
As everyone knows, their collaboration ended abruptly after more than seven years and the star from Murcia will only be guided in Australia by Samuel Lopez as coach. The six-time Grand Slam champion has become a top player thanks to ‘Juanki’ and it is likely that he will need some time to get used to this new situation, but the Australian Open represents one of his main goals in 2026, namely the only Major title he still misses.
Alcaraz wants to continue to shine
Carlitos is back from the most brilliant season of his entire career and has finally found continuity and regularity by reducing the number of ups and downs. He also showed significant improvements in indoor conditions, reaching the final of the Nitto ATP Finals in Turin, where his performance against Sinner was also affected by injury (which forced him to miss the Davis Cup final in Bologna).
Some former players and insiders fear the world number 1 could lose confidence and motivation without Ferrero by his side.
However, during a recent interview with ‘RNE’, the latter curtly ruled out this possibility: “He won’t lose his way because I know him well and he knows what’s good for him and what’s not. Carlos likes competition; he likes playing tournaments and fighting for big titles, and I don’t see him getting bored with tennis. Maybe in 10 or 12 years, but right now it’s the exact opposite. This situation is not ideal in the run-up to the Australian Open, but in terms Thanks to his tennis skills and talent, he is more than capable of winning.”
Carlos’ first match of the new year is a friendly against Sinner, scheduled in Seoul on January 10.
#Carlos #Alcaraz #danger #tired #tennis #details