Indian Wells champion Carlos Alcaraz enters this week’s Miami Open with a smile, because of the steering of his longtime coach Juan Carlos Ferrero, who helped him regain prime type after a short absence earlier this season.
Former world No. 1 Ferrero, who retired in 2012, had knee surgical procedure and was absent from Alcaraz’s teaching field on the Australian Open, the place the 20-year-old reached the quarterfinals earlier than dropping to Alexander Zverev.
Ferrero, the 2003 French Open champion, rejoined Alcaraz’s group in time for his semifinal run in Buenos Aires. An ankle harm compelled Alcaraz to withdraw from his opening match in Rio de Janeiro.
Despite the setbacks, Alcaraz claimed his first title of the season in Indian Wells on Sunday and credited the “special” help from the 44-year-old Ferrero.
“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 informed reporters on Tuesday. “But one of many issues he tells me most is to smile.
“He means quite a bit to me. It’s a fantastic help when I’ve him within the field. His help is particular to me. It’s been a protracted path collectively, 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 seeking to change into the primary man since Roger Federer in 2017 to finish the “Sunshine Double” and can 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,” mentioned Alcaraz.
“I’m feeling great physically and mentally. I’m ready for this tournament.”
Source: www.dailysabah.com