Alcaraz Backs Lead Coach Samuel López as Serve Overhaul Draws Praise at Australian Open

Overview

• Samuel López is leading Carlos Alcaraz’s box in Melbourne after the split with Juan Carlos Ferrero that followed an unresolved contract renewal, according to reporting.
• After a straight-sets first-round win, Alcaraz said López “provides me with everything a coach can offer today” and “hasn’t received the recognition he deserves.”
• Analyst Greg Rusedski praised a Djokovic-like tweak to Alcaraz’s service setup as a “massive” and beneficial adjustment introduced under López.
• López has long worked within the Ferrero Academy and previously coached Pablo Carreño Busta from 2015 to 2024.
• Commentators say the real verdict on the coaching change will come in the latter rounds of Grand Slams, with opinions split on whether the shake-up will have a big effect.