Carlos Alcaraz’s return to the top of the world tennis rankings after his triumph at the recent US Open is not just a story of a young athlete from Murcia’s talent and determination. Behind each of his victories, including his recent triumph at Roland Garros and his run to the Wimbledon final, stands the figure of his mentor, Juan Carlos Ferrero. However, Ferrero’s role goes far beyond the coach’s bench. This is the story of a man who once reached the summit himself and is now building a multifaceted empire that blends sport and business.
Ferrero’s own path in professional tennis was no less remarkable. In 2003, he proudly held the world No. 1 ranking for eight weeks. That year was marked by the biggest achievement of his career—winning the Roland Garros trophy. Recognized as a clay-court specialist, he nevertheless proved his versatility on other surfaces, as evidenced by his four titles at ATP Masters 1000 tournaments—the most prestigious events after the Grand Slams.
In October 2012, Juan Carlos hung up his racket, ending his playing career but not leaving the world of tennis. He opened a new chapter as a coach. It was in this field that he would experience perhaps even greater success, closely tied to the phenomenal rise of Carlos Alcaraz. Under his guidance, the unassuming young man from El Palmar has shattered every conceivable record, already amassing six Grand Slam titles.
Ferrero’s brilliant playing career earned him a substantial fortune. According to official ATP data, his prize money over the years amounted to nearly 14 million dollars, which at the current exchange rate is close to twelve million euros. On top of this impressive sum, there are bonuses for participating in tournaments—paid by organizers to attract star players and boost attendance—as well as generous gifts, such as luxury cars. ATP rules allow tournaments in the 250 and 500 categories to offer players appearance fees for promotional services, providing a legal way to reward tennis players in addition to official prize money.
Beyond his on-court earnings, a significant portion of his income came from endorsement deals. Successful athletes have always been highly sought after by major brands, and Ferrero was no exception. At various times, he partnered with companies like Joma, Air Europa, and Mazda, which significantly increased his wealth.
Ferrero’s entrepreneurial spirit extended to his investments as well. Together with friends and partners, including fellow tennis star David Ferrer, he owned the rights to host the Open de Valencia tournament. The competition, which held 500 and 250 category events, faced challenges beyond the owners’ control and ultimately the license had to be sold for 2 million euros, after which the tournament moved to Antwerp. Another ambitious venture—the Ferrero Hotel in the picturesque village of Bocairent—did not live up to financial expectations despite significant effort and enthusiasm. However, the real gem of his business empire is the tennis academy in Villena, Alicante, which has become a genuine talent factory. Among its graduates is Alexander Zverev, one of the strongest players of the modern era. Yet the undisputed star is Carlos Alcaraz. Ferrero has proven himself not only a great player but also an outstanding coach, capable of unlocking his protégé’s full potential. His fortune is already impressive, but judging by the achievements of “Carlitos,” as the champion is affectionately known, it’s clear that neither he nor his mentor has reached their peak yet.
