The sudden end of the long-standing partnership between Carlos Alcaraz and Juan Carlos Ferrero continues to ripple through the tennis world.
Feliciano Lopez, who competed at over 80 Major tournaments, has offered one of the most thoughtful reactions yet.
Rather than questioning Alcaraz's talent or future, Lopez focused on timing. With the Australian Open approaching swiftly, he suggested that the immediate challenge may not be tactical or physical, but mental!
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Losing a figure as influential as Juan Carlos, days before the new season, creates a void that can not be filled overnight. Samuel Lopez remains in the El Palmar's box, but we should remember that Ferrero shaped his development far beyond the practice court.
Feliciano made it clear that his doubts are short-term rather than prolonged ones. He still views Carlos as a once-in-a-generation talent and prodigy, capable of dominatingthe sport for years.
However, there's a catch, and rather a big one. Lopez acknowledged that not every player adapts to major structural changes in the same way, especially at such a formative stage of a career.
Alcaraz spent more thanseven years with Ferrero, winning every notable title with him in the box. Over the years, they formed an incredibly strong relationship extending into routines, emotional balance and decision-making.
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The coach refused some big offers and decided to work with the 15-year-old, trusting his talent and dedication to become one of the world's best players.
Those elements are now suddenly gone, and the 22-year-oldwill have to adjust to new voices, new methods and new dynamics. In short, he will have torecalibrateand continue without the most trusted figurein his coaching box.
As Melbourne draws closer, Lopez believes the opening months of the season will reveal how Alcaraz processes such a fundamental shift. The belief remains strong, but the transition may test the six-time Major winner sooner than expected.
Carlos is training with Flavio Cobolli in Murcia. He is shaping up his game ahead of the Australian Open, the only missing Major in his collection. The Spaniard has yet to play at his best in Melbourne.
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He fell to Novak Djokovic in this year's quarter-final, still seeking a deep run and a chance to fight for the trophy. He will try to change that in a couple of weeks without Juan Carlos Ferrero's guidance.
It will not be easy, but we know what Alcaraz is capable of.
"I do not know if Carlos is mentally ready to face what lies ahead in the short term, without Juan Carlos' influence. That's my opinion, and that's why I'm a little sad. Am I pessimistic? Look, I have faith in Carlos.
He is the greatest talent I have seen after the Big 3. I do not mean to imply that Carlos is going to start losing because Juan Carlos is not there anymore. However, at this stage of his career, it's still a bit too soon.
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I think Juan Carlos' work went far beyond that of a simple coach. Some players have a personality that perhaps makes them more capable of accepting a change of coach, routines, and ways of doing things, and adapt more quickly, while other players are less so.
I think that relationship was very well built, and they understood each other very well," Feliciano Lopez said.
