Samuel Lopez became part of Carlos Alcaraz’s team ahead of the 2025 season, initially serving as co-lead coach before assuming full head coach duties after Juan Carlos Ferrero left in December. Their collaboration faced early doubts during the Australian Open, but Alcaraz quelled criticism by securing his seventh Grand Slam singles title and becoming the youngest man in the Open Era to complete the Career Grand Slam. This success highlights the impact of Samuel Lopez’s coaching legacy.
Lopez’s Long-Term Partnership with Pablo Carreno Busta
Before joining Alcaraz’s team, Lopez worked with Pablo Carreno Busta from 2015 through 2024, during which he guided Carreno Busta to his career-best world ranking of No. 10 in 2017. Under Lopez’s guidance, Carreno Busta reached two semi-finals at the US Open, twice made the quarter-finals of the French Open, and advanced to the fourth round in three Australian Opens. In addition, he earned seven ATP Tour singles titles, including the significant 2022 Canadian Open, and won a bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, demonstrating consistent top-level performance over nearly a decade.
Endorsements of Lopez’s Coaching Abilities
Reflecting on his experiences with Lopez, Carreno Busta spoke highly of the coach in an interview with AS.
I’m so happy for Samuel, because he’s a fantastic person. He’s a really, really good coach. He didn’t become a top player, but he is a top coach,
he said. Carreno Busta added,
He’s coached many players, and he’s probably taken them all to their full potential — which doesn’t mean they all have to be number one. He’s been with Guillermo Garcia, he’s been with Nico Almagro, he’s been with me… and we’ve all been at the top.
Lopez’s Lifelong Commitment to Tennis Coaching
Carreno Busta emphasized Lopez’s deep passion for coaching, noting the effort and dedication behind his achievements.
Things turned out this way: now he’s Carlos’s head coach, but I think Samuel deserves it because he’s fought his whole life to be a coach; he loves tennis,
he remarked. He also pointed out the early bond between Lopez and Alcaraz, showing how both player and coach grew alongside each other during their formative years. This mutual development has now culminated in a strong partnership visible through Alcaraz’s ongoing success on the ATP Tour.
Carlos Alcaraz’s 2026 Season and Upcoming Matches
Ranked No.1 in the world, Carlos Alcaraz has showcased remarkable form in 2026, achieving a flawless 9-0 match record so far. Currently competing in Doha, the Spaniard secured victories over Arthur Rinderknech, ranked No.30, with a score of 6-4, 7-6(5), and over Valentin Royer, ranked No.60, with a 6-2, 7-5 result. Alcaraz is set to face the world’s No.17, Karen Khachanov, in the quarterfinals on Thursday at 7:30 pm on Center Court; Alcaraz holds a perfect 5-0 head-to-head record against Khachanov.
His 2026 season already includes one title from the Australian Open, contributing to a career total of 26 titles: 9 on hard courts, 11 on clay, 4 on grass, and 2 on indoor courts. Future appearances include the Rolex Paris Masters, beginning the main draw on October 27, reflecting ongoing goals and challenges ahead.
The Ongoing Influence of Samuel Lopez’s Coaching
Samuel Lopez’s transition from guiding Pablo Carreno Busta to leading Carlos Alcaraz underscores his caliber as a coach dedicated to maximizing player potential. The continuous achievements of Alcaraz highlight the enduring value of Lopez’s mentorship, reinforcing his status as a respected figure in tennis. As Alcaraz pursues further titles on diverse surfaces, Lopez’s strategic expertise remains pivotal to his success in the competitive landscape of professional tennis.
