Carlos Alcaraz set to receive major boost ahead of Barcelona Open second-round clash

Former Spanish player Juan Carlos Ferrero is set to join Carlos Alcaraz from the second round of the Barcelona Open. The former world number one, who lifted one Grand Slam title during his career, has been coaching the current world number two for a long time.

In the recent past, however, he was not seen sitting on the sidelines with the 21-year-old, who is regarded as one of the best players in the world in men’s tennis in the singles category, along with the likes of Italy’s Jannik Sinner. That is now set to change, as Spanish media outlet Marca reported that the 45-year-old will join Alcaraz from the second round of the ongoing Barcelona Open.

The ATP 500 event started on Monday, where some of the best players in men’s tennis are taking part to secure the ultimate prize and prepare for the second Grand Slam of the year—the French Open. Alcaraz, who came into the competition as one of the tournament favourites after lifting the Monte-Carlo Masters for the first time in his career last week, following a win over Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti in the final with a score of 3-6, 6-1, 6-0, secured a first-round win over America’s Ethan Quinn in straight sets with a score of 6-2, 7-6.

Talking after the match, Alcaraz admitted that it was not easy to win the first match of the competition. “It’s a really special tournament for me, so I’m really happy to play again here, in front of my people,” said Alcaraz. “It was a difficult match for me, I just had to deal with the pressure and the nerves. But I’m really happy to have won in straight sets, and give myself a bit of energy for the next matches.”

The four-time Grand Slam winner will next face Serbia’s Laslo Djere in the round of 16. The 29-year-old secured his place in the second round after beating Arthur Rinderknech in the round of 32 with a score of 6-7, 6-1, 6-2.