Samuel López and the well-deserved vindication of much more than a good coach

Diego Jiménez Rubio | 29 Jan 2026 | 20.08

Samuel López, this is Alcaraz's coach. Photo: gettyimages

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Discreet, hardworking, experienced, analytical, and with a refined emotional intelligence. These are some of the virtues that characterize Samuel López, a true tennis man, a coach who has managed to grow in his career without losing sight of reality and going through all possible stages. His role as the head coach of Carlos Alcaraz in the 2026 Australian Open deserves to be highlighted.

No, he is not a coach of circumstances, an appendix of the previous team who has continued out of inertia, or a man who finds it difficult to work with a player who aims to be the best in history. Samuel López does not have the media impact of other coaches, but he has earned over the decades what he is experiencing now with Carlos Alcaraz in the 2026 Australian Open.

Alcaraz and Samuel López have a great complicity that is evident in Melbourne

This 55-year-old native of Alicante took a significant step forward in his career just over a month ago when the professional split between Juan Carlos Ferrero and the player from Murcia was announced. Many interpreted his continued presence on Carlos's team as a temporary solution; possibly the same ones who are unaware of the professional background of a man who began his training at the Villena academy, accompanied Juan Carlos around the world, had a decisive role in Nicolás Almagro's successful career, and was vital for Pablo Carreño to explore his limits as a player, reaching the top 10 and becoming an Olympic medalist.

The rapport between Alcaraz and him during this 2026 Australian Open has caught the attention of many fans, as both have built a solid relationship where humor and camaraderie are not at odds with impeccable work ethics and a commitment to daily effort. "This is a game, our lives do not depend on it, but of course, we all want to win. That's why I like to use language that allows the player to relax," said Samuel in a conversation with accredited Spanish media in Melbourne, giving hints on how Carlos Alcaraz is maturing personally and how that reflects in his interaction with the team.

Samuel López advocates for the triumph of reaching the elite by working from the grassroots

"The only change in my life since becoming Carlos's head coach is that I will travel more, but I knew this was an opportunity I couldn't miss," says Samuel López, who may not have the fame or media exposure of other coaches or former players now in that role but has earned the respect and recognition of the entire circuit. "A friend told me the other day that my example demonstrates that reaching the elite by working from the grassroots is possible," he comments before emphasizing that passion for tennis is his driving force.

It is evident that Samuel López has understood the essence of Carlos Alcaraz. He assures that the young player enjoys putting on a show and having fun on the court, that breaking records at a young age could not hide that experience would make him a more consistent player, and that they are working to minimize fluctuations in his performance during practice sessions. "Tennis comes naturally to him, and we are working on making his performance more consistent, which we are achieving," reveals a man who could have a crucial role in tactical analysis and emotional management in this decisive phase of the 2026 Australian Open.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Samuel López y la merecida reivindicación de mucho más que un buen entrenador