Samuel Lopez discusses emotional decision of parting ways with Pablo Carreno Busta and new journey with Carlos Alcaraz
Samuel Lopez, who recently joined Carlos Alcaraz's team, was Pablo Carreno Busta's coach from 2015 until 2024.
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Samuel Lopez, Juan Carlos Ferrero, Carlos Alcaraz and Pablo Carreno Busta (Image via Instagarm)
The Ferrero Tennis Academy in Villena, Spain celebrated one of the most special days of the year last Thursday. It hosted its official meal for workers along with the famous football match of students versus tutors.
As expected, Juan Carlos Ferrero and Carlos Alcaraz stole the spotlight, although Samuel Lopez also played a leading role. Lopez is one of the most successful coaches in Spanish tennis this century, and also one of the founders of the sports complex that keeps growing. He was the man who guided Pablo Carreno Busta to the top 10 ATP ranking and who in 2025 will become the second coach of Alcaraz.
Nestled inside the gymnasium at Alicante, Samuel Lopez spoke with Punto de Break. In this interview, he discussed his decision to conclude his stage with Carreno Busta and his role within Carlos Alcaraz’s team.
With Carlos, we aim for everything; the feeling of going to a Grand Slam with the intention of winning it. I have been in quarterfinals and semifinals of these tournaments, in Davis Cup finals, in matches for an Olympic medal, but I also want to be in a Grand Slam final. At least I want to work towards that possibility or to be world No. 1. I am ambitious; I don’t settle.
Samuel Lopez told Punto de Break
Lopez began coaching Carreno Busta in November 2015, helping him capture seven ATP Tour singles titles. For Lopez parting ways with Carreno Busta in December 2024 was tough and strange, as they both have shared many years and many memories together.
He was a bit taken aback, but he understood. What I couldn’t do was be with Pablo and Carlos at the same time; besides, it wouldn’t have been ethical, and in terms of time, I wouldn’t have been able to manage it. It was a decision based on my family and my professional future. It hurts in my soul; I got emotional talking to him, but Pablo told me to be calm, that in my situation, he would have done the same.
Samuel Lopez added
Informing Carreno Busta of his decision was very challenging and emotional for Lopez. When asked about his reaction to the news, Lopez said that he was very thankful for how the 33-year-old reacted.
Samuel Lopez opens up on joining Carlos Alcaraz’s team
Samuel Lopez said that what made him change projects was a conversation with Juan Carlos Ferrero, the World No. 3’s present coach and the former coach of World No. 2 Alexander Zverev. It was his idea for the past two years for Lopez to join Carlos Alcaraz’s team at some point.
Juan Carlos Ferrero needed another person on the team. This opportunity meant stepping up another rung in Lopez’s coaching career. He didn’t want to miss this opportunity because he realized that if he didn’t join, someone else would. He supposes it’s the dream of any coach, not only to be with Carlos Alcaraz but also with Ferrero, with whom he shares the same vision of tennis.
As the years have gone by, with all the traveling and pressures… many responsibilities fall on the coach, so having the support of a second voice is important. It’s a figure that can bring freshness, especially now that Carlos is becoming more mature and making some decisions. It requires absolute mental work, where we all need to be sharp. If Juan Carlos has made this decision, it is for Carlos’ benefit, because he believes it can help him a lot.
Samuel Lopez said
Lopez believes that Alcaraz has so many weapons that organizing them all is the biggest challenge of coaching him. If one puts too much order, one can take away his essence, which is something Lopez doesn’t want either. Both he and Ferrero will try to convey the same message in different ways, keeping Alcaraz focused and motivated for many more weeks, an area in which Lopez feels the young Spaniard needs improvement.
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Anubhav Bajpeyee
(172 Articles Published)