As the new year approaches, tennis fans around the globe are buzzing with excitement for the upcoming ATP season. One figure dominating discussions—and the courts—is Carlos Alcaraz, the young Spanish prodigy whose meteoric rise has reinvigorated the sport. Barely in his twenties, Alcaraz has already captured major titles and challenged the established order, drawing comparisons to legends like Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic. But amid all the attention, a key question remains: who will guide this rising star in 2026?
Alcaraz’s current coach, Samuel López, a former professional player who has been pivotal in shaping Carlos’s aggressive and versatile style, is widely credited with helping him develop both tactically and mentally. López’s patient, technically astute coaching has played a significant role in Alcaraz’s ascent—from winning his first ATP title as a teenager to claiming his maiden Grand Slam at the US Open. Many pundits believe that maintaining this continuity will be crucial for his long-term success.
However, speculation is rife about whether the young Spaniard might seek fresh perspectives. Names whispered in the tennis corridors include Andy Murray, who has reinvented himself multiple times and brings a wealth of experience; David Ferrer, another stalwart of Spanish tennis known for his relentless work ethic; and of course Rafael Nadal, arguably Spain’s greatest ever player. Although these suggestions generate intrigue, all parties involved have remained tight-lipped, leaving the tennis world eager for any official announcements.
Looking beyond Alcaraz, the ATP’s elite players each bring their own unique coaching dynamics. Jannik Sinner of Italy, Alcaraz’s most formidable challenger, currently works with Darren Cahill—a seasoned coach renowned for guiding players such as Andre Agassi and Simona Halep to Grand Slam glory. Cahill initially signaled an intention to depart at the end of 2025, but recent reports suggest he’s been persuaded to extend his collaboration with Sinner for at least another season, providing invaluable stability to the young Italian’s camp.
Alexander Zverev, grappling with inconsistency in recent seasons, continues to be coached by his father, Alexander Zverev Sr., a former pro familiar with nurturing talent from a young age. Novak Djokovic, the Serbian legend pursuing yet more records, partners with Boris Bosnjakovic, a longtime confidant who understands Djokovic’s evolving needs as he balances experience and physical demands.
Other top ten players also have varied coaching setups: Felix Auger-Aliassime skillfully guided by Frederic Fontang; Taylor Fritz working with former ATP players Michael Russell and Paul Annacone, the latter having been instrumental in Pete Sampras and Roger Federer’s success; Australia’s Alex de Minaur coached by Matt Reid; Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti under the tutelage of Simone Tartarini; rising American Ben Shelton led by his father Bryan Shelton; and British hopeful Jack Draper collaborating with Jamie Delgado, known for his past role coaching Andy Murray.
In recent decades, shifts in coaching have often signaled turning points for players’ careers. For instance, Nadal’s long-term partnership with Toni Nadal—his uncle—was fundamental to his mental toughness and aggressive baseline game. The eventual transition to Carlos Moyá helped introduce fresh tactical depth, contributing to Nadal’s dominance on clay and beyond. Similarly, Djokovic parted ways with his initial coach Marian Vajda and has since seen a rotating series of collaborators guiding him through different phases.
With the Australian Open set to kick off mid-January, speculation about coaching adjustments intensifies. This Grand Slam often acts as a catalyst for changes as players look to start fresh in the new season. If Alcaraz were to announce a new coach or adjust his team, the timing couldn’t be more dramatic. A coaching switch before such a prestigious event could either provide a boost or introduce an element of uncertainty.
Historically, coaching in tennis has evolved from informal support to a highly strategic and psychologically involved role. Early tennis legends often had minimal guidance, relying heavily on personal talent and self-coaching. It wasn’t until the professional era dawned in the 1960s and 70s that coaching gained prominence. The rise of iconic coaches—Nick Bollettieri, Ivan Lendl’s rigorous regimen, or Patrick Mouratoglou’s work with Serena Williams—has elevated coaching to a multifaceted role encompassing fitness, tactics, psychological resilience, and data analysis.
Alcaraz’s journey epitomizes the modern player-coach relationship: a blend of youthful exuberance guided by a mentor who understands both the traditional roots and the cutting-edge demands of the sport. Whether he continues with López or opts for a fresh approach, all eyes will be on his performance and development throughout 2026.
As fans speculate and debate, one thing is certain: Alcaraz has already redefined what is possible at such a young age, and the coming year promises thrilling tennis moments. From riveting baseline rallies to high-stakes tactical battles, the narratives inside and outside the court intertwine, making the sport a captivating spectacle.
In the meantime, the tennis community waits in anticipation, ready to watch talent, strategy, and coaching intersect to create the next chapter in the sport’s rich history. Whatever happens with Alcaraz’s coaching decisions, the game is set to become even more fascinating—and we, as spectators, are lucky to witness it unfold.