An hour’s drive from Alicante, near the town of Villena, lies a place that has become legendary in the tennis world. This is where a 15-year-old Carlos Alcaraz arrived to begin his rise to the top under the guidance of Juan Carlos Ferrero. Today, this academy—which resembles a small, self-sufficient village—remains a home for the world’s No. 1 player, where he even owns a 90-square-meter modular chalet. It was on these courts that he faced his main rival, Jannik Sinner, for the first time in a defining match.
We visited the Ferrero Tennis Academy and spoke with those who have known Alcaraz since his youth: founder Antonio Martínez Cascales, CEO Iñaki Echegía, coach and sporting director Fran Martínez, and Carlos’s fellow student and friend, Pablo Aunión.
History and Founders
Antonio Martínez Cascales is the living embodiment of the academy’s story. In 1995, he laid the first stone for what was then just an ‘old and unremarkable country house with a couple of tennis courts.’ A native of Villena, Cascales brought together a group of talented youngsters—including Juan Carlos Ferrero, the future world No. 1. Ferrero’s success turned this humble beginning into a world-renowned organization, and Cascales decided to add the name of his famous student to the original name, Equelite.
When the young Carlos Alcaraz, already recognized for his talent, arrived at the academy, Ferrero made the decision to coach him personally. “The main thing we achieved here was helping Carlos focus on his work while preserving the childlike passion for tennis that he still has at 22,” Cascalés shares. He also recalls the first match between Alcaraz and Sinner: “They played each other here for the first time, on clay court number four. Sinner is an outstanding player who will define an entire era, but I also want to point out his exceptional human qualities. He’s one of the most well-mannered on tour.”
The Academy Today
Over the past thirty years, the academy has been completely transformed. Today, it is a 1,000-square-meter complex with 25 courts and everything needed to become a professional. “Players don’t need to go anywhere else,” explains general director Iñaki Echegüía Centenera. “We have 25 courts, a physical therapy clinic, a gym, a restaurant, student housing, a swimming pool, extensive gardens, as well as on-staff nutritionists and psychologists.”
More than a hundred students live and train here year-round. In addition, young tennis players come throughout the year for short-term courses to immerse themselves in the world of elite tennis. The academy has a reward system: by earning professional points, players receive privileges, such as dining in the restaurant instead of the common cafeteria, or getting a private room.
A Champion’s Home
Most of the coaches and staff live on the premises or nearby, creating a unique family atmosphere. This is where Carlos Alcaraz lived for several years. At first, he shared a room with other students; later, as he began his professional career, he moved into a separate house that had previously belonged to Ferrero himself.
It’s a small villa with a bedroom, bathroom, living room combined with a kitchen, and a guest room with a private bathroom. Carlos no longer lives here permanently, but he uses the house when he comes for training. Here, he relaxes, takes a shower, and if practice goes late into the evening, he stays overnight.
The road to the top
Francisco Martínez, coach and one of the academy’s sports directors, has worked here for 18 years. He believes that to grow as a professional player, one needs determination, willpower, patience, and discipline. “You need to be passionate about this sport and train hard for years,” he says. Francisco remembers Alcaraz as a very young player when he arrived from Murcia. “Even then, he stood out as one of the best in Spain. I had the chance to work with him whenever Juan Carlos was unavailable, and I can say that coaching Carlos is truly a privilege.”
Eighteen-year-old Pablo Aunion, one of the academy’s promising young talents, exemplifies what makes this place unique. “I first came here for a week-long trial when I was 12. My parents and I loved it, and a couple of months later, I became a full-fledged student.” Days at the academy are scheduled to the minute: hours of training alternate with academic classes, as this is also an accredited educational center. Pablo also shared his personal memories of Alcaraz: “We’re good friends and arrived here around the same time. During the pandemic, we spent a lot of time together playing video games. Now, of course, we see each other less often because he’s traveling so much, but every time he comes back, we make sure to catch up.”
