The Alcaraz Dynasty: Coaching Shakeups and a Rising Star
The tennis world remains fixated on the Alcaraz family, but the headlines aren’t just about Carlos anymore. While the elder Alcaraz navigates a significant transition in his coaching team following a surprising split with his longtime mentor, his younger brother, Jaime, is busy carving out his own path on the junior circuit.
A Major Shift for Carlos
Carlos Alcaraz has found himself at the center of intense speculation after parting ways with Juan Carlos Ferrero in December. Their seven-year partnership was nothing short of historic, yielding six Grand Slam titles and propelling the Spaniard to the top of the world rankings. Despite the on-court success, rumors of behind-the-scenes friction had been brewing for some time. Reports suggest that Alcaraz’s inner circle had grown dissatisfied with the dynamic, though Carlos reportedly stood by Ferrero until finally deciding to make a change following the 2025 season.
Currently, Samuel Lopez has stepped in as the primary coach, having joined the team permanently at the start of the 2025 season. However, the consensus among insiders is that the team is looking to add a second, more experienced mentor to fine-tune specific aspects of the superstar’s game.
Wilander Calls for a Legend
Seven-time Grand Slam champion Mats Wilander has weighed in on the situation, emphasizing the necessity of bringing a heavyweight voice into the fold. Speaking with Eurosport, Wilander argued that Alcaraz needs a mentor who has been there and done that. “I think it is very important to have a Grand Slam winner by his side, and he already had Juan Carlos Ferrero,” Wilander noted, suggesting that the new addition should offer a contrasting stylistic perspective.
Wilander was quick to dismiss the idea of Andy Murray joining the camp, pointing out that the Scot’s tactical approach is too similar to Alcaraz’s own. Instead, he believes the Spaniard would benefit most from a completely different type of player, citing legends like John McEnroe or Stefan Edberg. But Wilander saved his strongest endorsement for one specific icon.
“Take Roger Federer, for example,” Wilander said. “Then you’re talking about someone who could really help Carlos with the [aspects of the] game where he doesn’t feel as comfortable. I think Roger Federer would be the perfect coach for Carlos.” While it remains to be seen if such a high-profile partnership could ever materialize, the debate highlights the massive expectations still resting on Alcaraz’s shoulders.
Another Alcaraz on the Rise
While his older brother recalibrates his career, Jaime Alcaraz is proving that talent runs deep in the family. The youngster recently turned heads by triumphing at a Rafa Nadal Tour junior event in Madrid.
Born in 2011, Jaime entered the under-12 boys’ draw as the No. 4 seed. He battled through the heat of late July to win five consecutive matches, showing a flair for the dramatic that rivals his brother’s. Both his semifinal and final victories came in three-set battles decided by match tiebreaks.
The Rafa Nadal Tour, launched in 2014 to benefit Nadal’s foundation, is a prestigious stepping stone for Spanish juniors. It features seven stops across the country—including Barcelona, Seville, and Gran Canaria—with the season’s top performers earning an invite to a year-end Masters event at Nadal’s academy in Mallorca.
Following in Famous Footsteps
Jaime’s victory in Madrid draws a direct parallel to Carlos, who cut his teeth in the same competition and won an under-14 title back in 2016. But the younger Alcaraz is already getting a taste of the big leagues. He has become a fixture in his brother’s player box at Wimbledon, has been spotted on practice courts with Carlos, and has even rubbed shoulders with elite players like Jannik Sinner.
Despite the obvious comparisons, the family keeps things light. Carlos joked last year that while it’s too early to predict if Jaime will join him on the ATP Tour, his little brother might already have the better forehand. Perhaps most amusingly, Carlos revealed that he isn’t even the primary inspiration for the family’s newest prospect—Jaime actually idolizes Dominic Thiem. Whether he’s modeling his game after Thiem or his brother, Jaime’s recent success suggests the Alcaraz name will be a force in tennis for years to come.