Who is Carlos Alcaraz’s new coach Samuel Lopez? A look at his experience and what he brings to World No. 1

Transitioning Carlos Alcaraz over into the 2026 season on the court is just part of what has changed behind the scenes as the world No. 1 enters a new chapter in life, being guided now by Samuel López. The switch follows the conclusion of Alcaraz's long-standing partnership with Juan Carlos Ferrero, who guided him from a teenage prodigy to a Grand Slam winner. The pressure is now squarely on the shoulders of the man who is tasked with guiding the sport's biggest teenage talent.The move shocked many fans, but it was anything but sudden. López had already worked closely with Alcaraz in previous seasons, so naturally, he became a strong voice for the manager. Alcaraz's ascension to head coach is far from a reinvention of the wheel, nor can his approach be seen as such: both should uncomplicate the former's game, not rebuild it.Samuel López Jareño was born on 1 February 1970 in Alicante, Spain, and has worked for decades to become one of the most important coaches in his country. His best-known job was coaching Pablo Carreño Busta (his coach for nearly a decade). With López's coaching, Carreño Busta broke into the top ten and regularly advanced deep into slam events.A more analytical coach with a solid technical background and a temperament on the court, López has also worked with other ATP pros as well. His coaching ethos, discipline, tactical clarity, and mental fortitude readily align with the modern elite tennis player. Add to that years of being associated with Spain's leading tennis academies and national team programs, and his credentials appear downright best.After the 2025 season, López officially took over as Carlos Alcaraz's head coach. He had already been in Alcaraz's inner circle, helping alongside Juan Carlos Ferrero prior to this, assisting with training sessions, match plans, and technical tweaks. That comfort level has allowed for an easy transition, one that does not include the traditional chaos that comes with a big-time coaching change.It has been a positive partnership thus far. Alcaraz has cited López's attention to detail and ability to provide new tactical insights, especially in match management against elite players, as key areas he has found beneficial. Now it is about creating consistency on surfaces, serving rhythm, and building a strong sense of long-rally decision-making.