Alcaraz defeated Diego Schwartzman 6-4, 6-2 in the final of the Rio Open on Sunday to win his second career title. The triumph saw him become the youngest player to ever win an ATP 500 tournament.
The 18-year-old broke into the top 20 of the ATP rankings this week, making him the first player to achieve this before turning 19 since Nadal in 2005. Alcaraz’s Rio final victory came on the same day (20 February) that his 35-year-old compatriot won his second ATP title, which also came in Brazil, in 2005.
Speaking to El Larguero, as reported by Punto de Break, Ferrero discussed the comparisons made between his 18-year-old pupil and the record men’s Major title winner.
The 2003 French Open champion went on to declare that the duo are at different stages of their careers and have different paths ahead.
Ferrero, who also previously worked with Alexander Zverev, has coached Alcaraz since 2018. The Spaniard, who runs the JC Ferrero – Equelite Tennis Academy in Villena, Spain, retired from tennis in 2012.
Rafael Nadal will face Denis Kudla in opening round of Mexican Open on Wednesday
Rafael Nadal will play for the first time since winning the Australian Open at the Mexican Open in Acapulco this week. The World No. 5, who is seeded fourth, will face Denis Kudla in the event’s opening round on Wednesday.
The 35-year-old is a three-time champion at the ATP 500 tournament and claimed the title in his most recent appearance in 2020. Carlos Alcaraz was also set to feature in Acapulco, but withdrew following his title win at the Rio Open last week.
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