Cervara, on the breakup between Alcaraz and Ferrero: "Time will tell if this decision is the right one"

Few familiar voices from the circuit are left to speak regarding the surprising professional breakup between Carlos Alcaraz and Juan Carlos Ferrero. The world number one and his coach announced the news a few days ago through their social media, but the move continues to wreak havoc for many.

Gilles Cervara, former coach of Daniil Medvedev and current coach of Nishesh Basavareddy, wanted to offer his perspective on this recent earthquake in the circuit. Who could replace Juan Carlos Ferrero in that coaching role for Carlos Alcaraz?

Could Juan Carlos Ferrero return to coach Carlos Alcaraz?

"I have noticed that these types of champions are capable of sensing when they need something different, or more, to keep progressing, and if that's the case, it's very smart for Carlos to keep improving. I believe, whether it's the player or the coach, and this is what I experienced with Daniil (Medvedev), that at some point, it's important to be able to anticipate it in advance so that it's not too late and ensure the change is made for the right reasons, to keep progressing. Now, only time will tell if this decision is the right one. Nothing stops us from thinking that he could call Juan Carlos Ferrero if results decline," said the French coach to L'Equipe.

The importance of changing coaches

"Seven years is a lot of time. Beyond three, it already starts to seem like a long time, and it's important to maintain freshness, always find ways to improve, to challenge oneself. Even at the highest level, even in a winning team, it's crucial because the highest level is precisely made up of the sum of small details, and the only way to improve is to constantly challenge yourself.

As a coach, you are constantly seeking a balance between what you know will work with a particular player, because you know them perfectly, and the search for new approaches. And sometimes, that's no longer enough because the player feels the need for a change of pace. From the outside, change is often feared, but from within, it may be necessary. No one is truly in the team's mindset, so it's impossible to discuss it without knowing the facts. Change is not necessarily bad, it brings freshness."

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Cervara, sobre la ruptura entre Alcaraz y Ferrero: "El tiempo dirá si esta decisión es la correcta"