Carlos Alcaraz Embarks on Fresh Coaching Journey with Samuel López
The 2026 tennis season brings a significant shift for world number one Carlos Alcaraz. He now steps onto the court under the guidance of a new head coach, Samuel López. This change marks a pivotal new chapter in the young champion's career.
A Planned Transition After a Historic Partnership
Alcaraz's move follows the conclusion of his successful, long-standing partnership with Juan Carlos Ferrero. Ferrero expertly guided the Spaniard from a teenage prodigy to a Grand Slam champion. The pressure now falls squarely on Samuel López to steer the sport's biggest teenage talent forward.
While the announcement surprised many fans, the transition was far from sudden. López had already worked closely with Alcaraz in previous seasons. His established presence within the team made him a natural and strong candidate for the lead role.
Samuel López: A Proven Coach with Deep Roots
Samuel López Jareño brings decades of experience to this high-profile position. Born on February 1, 1970, in Alicante, Spain, he has risen to become one of his country's most respected coaches.
His most notable achievement was coaching Pablo Carreño Busta for nearly a decade. Under López's tutelage, Carreño Busta broke into the world's top ten and consistently made deep runs in Grand Slam tournaments.
López is known as an analytical coach with a solid technical foundation. He possesses a calm temperament on the court and has worked with several other ATP professionals. His coaching philosophy emphasizes discipline, tactical clarity, and mental strength. These qualities align perfectly with the demands of modern elite tennis.
His extensive background includes years of association with Spain's leading tennis academies and national team programs. This comprehensive experience solidifies his credentials as a top-tier coach.
Building on a Foundation of Familiarity
Following the 2025 season, Samuel López officially assumed the role of Carlos Alcaraz's head coach. The transition has been remarkably smooth. López was already a trusted member of Alcaraz's inner circle, assisting Juan Carlos Ferrero with training sessions, match strategies, and technical adjustments.
This existing comfort level has prevented the typical chaos that often accompanies a major coaching change. The partnership has started on a positive note. Alcaraz has publicly praised López's meticulous attention to detail and his ability to offer fresh tactical insights.
The young star finds particular value in López's guidance for managing matches against elite opponents. Their current focus involves creating greater consistency across all court surfaces, refining serving rhythm, and enhancing decision-making during long, grueling rallies.
This new chapter is not about reinventing Alcaraz's game. Instead, it aims to simplify and strengthen the existing foundation that has already brought him to the pinnacle of the sport.
