Juan Carlos Ferrero and Carlos Alcaraz relationship is going from good to…
In his first encounter since losing in the quarterfinals of the Australian Open, Carlos Alcaraz defeated Argentine qualifier Camilo Ugo Carabelli in straight sets on Thursday at the IEB+ Argentina Open. Alcaraz prevailed 6-2, 7-5, saving two match points in the second set before taking the next two games to round out the match at the ATP 250.
In his first clay-court match of 2024, the Spaniard came from behind in both sets, easily shifting through the gears early on. He also adjusted his game. However, Ugo Carabelli stormed back with his aggressive strategies from 2 to 5 in the second. The Argentine built a 0/40 opening at 5-5 after saving a match point at 5-3 and 5-4, but Alcaraz won nine of the next ten games to complete the victory.
“This match has been incredibly difficult. He has excellent rhythm, is a pretty skilled player, and is a fierce fighter. Playing my game, he was incredibly difficult to beat in the match,” Alcaraz remarked after the contest.
“I won’t lie, I became a little anxious at first because of the people standing behind him and encouraging him. Naturally, I think it’s normal, but I’m thrilled with my first clay-court match since Roland Garros. I’m hoping to keep getting better and better.”
Having won home titles in Barcelona and the Madrid ATP Masters 1000 the previous season, the top-seeded Spanish player is attempting to successfully defend a championship for the third time in his professional career. He will next play qualifier Andrea Vavassori in the quarterfinals after the Italian defeated seventh seed Laslo Djere 6-4, 7-5.
Against Ugo Carabelli, Alcaraz used two five-game runs to take control of both games. They won the first set 1-2 and the second set 6-2, respectively. However, just as it appeared that Alcaraz would easily cross the finish line, the Argentine, who was going for his first-ever tour-level quarterfinal and his greatest career victory, bravely put up a fight to stiffen his defense in front of his home supporters.
According to Infosys ATP Stats, the World No. 134 consistently and successfully attacked Alcaraz’s second serve throughout the match, winning 15 of 17 second-serve return points, including all nine in the second set. Alcaraz, however, steadied himself late in the second set and held for 6-5 before his forehand keyed the break that sealed the victory. Alcaraz made seven consecutive first serves to do this.
Federico Coria of Argentina defeated second seed and defending champion Cameron Norrie 4-6, 6-4, 6-3 earlier at the ATP 250. Through to his 12th tour-level quarterfinal, the home favorite secured his fourth Top 20 victory (and first since 2022). It was only the second loss for Norrie in his last 14 clay-court opening-round encounters.
After Coria defeated Cordoba champion Lucian Darderi 6-4, 7-5, to break the Italian’s six-match winning run, she will next face her countryman Sebastian Baez.
Alcaraz: “It’s a big lift to have Ferrero back.”
Some player-coach partnerships are so successful that they don’t end on the tennis court. One of the healthiest on tour is the one that has been built over the years between Juan Carlos Ferrero and Carlos Alcaraz.
Following a knee surgery that kept him out of the 2024 Australian Open, Ferrero is back in the Murcia man’s box this week in Buenos Aires. Simply having him around makes a huge difference for “Carlitos.”
“I’ve known Juan Carlos for a long time—many years,” Alcaraz remarked while competing in this week’s IEB+ Argentina Open. “We are quite confident in each other. Naturally, having him around is crucial and quite helpful.
Alcaraz has consistently hinted at the significance of his “team” in addition to Ferrero’s unique significance. The No. 2 player in the Pepperstone ATP Rankings is accompanied in Buenos Aires by his agent, Albert Molina, physiotherapists Juanjo Moreno and Sergio Hernández, physician Juanjo López, fitness instructors Alberto Lledó and Álex Sánchez, brother Álvaro, and father Carlos.
