Carlos Alcaraz Hails Coach Juan Carlos Ferrero After Monumental Victory: “I Owe This to Him”
Madrid, Spain – July 19, 2025 — Carlos Alcaraz, widely celebrated as one of the most electrifying young stars in professional table tennis , delivered a masterclass performance in the finals of the World Table Tennis Championship last night. With his trademark blend of speed, precision, and tactical genius, Alcaraz clinched the title in a dramatic five-set thriller that had fans on the edge of their seats. But it was what happened after the match that truly resonated with the crowd—and the world.
Alcaraz, just 22, didn’t bask in his own glory. Instead, he turned the spotlight toward the man he calls his “second father”: head coach and mentor Juan Carlos Ferrero.
“Juan Carlos has been the anchor behind everything,” Alcaraz said during the post-match interview, still gripping his paddle and fighting back tears. “Every serve, every return, every point I scored tonight—his voice was in my head, pushing me forward. I owe this victory to him.”
The emotional tribute was followed by an announcement that stunned the sporting world: Alcaraz revealed he would be making a “significant and lasting contribution” in honor of Ferrero’s unwavering support throughout his career.
“I’ve grown up with Juan Carlos in my corner,” Alcaraz explained. “From the first day we trained together, when I could barely hold a paddle, he believed in me. Now, I want to give back in a way that matches the enormity of what he’s done for me.”
While specific details of the contribution are being kept under wraps, insiders close to the Alcaraz camp hinted at a multi-million euro donation toward a state-of-the-art table tennis academy in Valencia, Ferrero’s hometown. The academy, tentatively named the Ferrero Future Centre, would aim to provide elite training to young athletes across Spain and Europe, especially those from underprivileged backgrounds.
Ferrero, himself a former tennis world champion who transitioned to coaching after retiring from professional tennis, looked visibly moved by the gesture.
“I never expected anything like this,” Ferrero said with a humble smile during a joint press conference. “Watching Carlos grow into the competitor and human being he is today is all the reward I could ask for. But this… this is overwhelming.”
The bond between Alcaraz and Ferrero is the stuff of legends. What began as a mentorship quickly evolved into something deeper—a partnership built on mutual respect, relentless discipline, and a shared vision for greatness. Ferrero, who initially coached Alcaraz in tennis before encouraging his switch to table tennis in his late teens, is often credited with shaping Alcaraz’s holistic approach to competition.
“He didn’t just teach me how to win,” Alcaraz said. “He taught me how to think, how to stay calm, how to respect my opponents, and how to learn from every loss. That kind of guidance goes way beyond sports.”
Throughout the tournament, Alcaraz’s performance was nothing short of mesmerizing. His semifinal clash against Chinese prodigy Lin Wei was hailed as one of the greatest matches in modern table tennis history, showcasing Alcaraz’s fluid footwork and aggressive play style. But it was in the final match, against seasoned German champion Matthias Engel, where Alcaraz demonstrated a level of maturity and composure beyond his years.
Falling behind two sets early, Alcaraz regrouped during a tense timeout with Ferrero. “He didn’t give me a strategy,” Alcaraz recalled. “He just said, ‘Play from your heart. Don’t think. Feel.’ That changed everything.”
What followed was a stunning comeback, with Alcaraz winning the next three sets and the match. As the crowd erupted, he sprinted to Ferrero, embracing him in a long, tearful hug—a moment now etched in championship history.
The sports world has since responded with an outpouring of admiration for both men. Social media lit up with tributes, with hashtags like #GraciasFerrero and #AlcarazLegend trending worldwide.
Veteran table tennis commentator Ana Beltrán perhaps summed it up best: “In a world where ego often overshadows gratitude, Carlos Alcaraz just reminded us what true greatness looks like. It’s not just about winning titles. It’s about honoring those who helped you get there.”
As Alcaraz heads into the next chapter of his already legendary career, one thing is clear—he’s not just building a legacy on the table, but off it as well. And at the heart of that legacy stands the coach who saw his potential long before the world did
“I just hope I can inspire others the way Juan Carlos inspired me,” Alcaraz said quietly, before leaving the podium
