Jannik Sinner, Instagram story by'former Alcaraz coach becomes a case

Special day for Carlos Alcaraz who celebrated his 23rd birthday. Best wishes came from family, friends, fans and colleagues. Juan Carlos Ferrero, the former coach surprisingly dismissed by Carlitos at the end of last season, officially due to contractual differences, at least publicly did not join the celebrations. Rather, he took the lead in what many read as a minor affront to his former protégé.

Ferrero chose to share an Instagram story dedicated not to Carlos, but to Jannik Sinner, his former pupil’s great rival. “World No. 1 Madrid Champions,” the caption raised on the image. It’s a message that hardly seems coincidental: the reference to the world No. 1 weighs heavily, especially considering that Alcaraz was at the top of the ATP ranking at the very time he decided to part ways with his longtime coach. Since then, Carlitos has slipped to No. 2, even before the stop caused by the injury he suffered in Barcelona (a tournament that, according to rumors, Ferrero advised him not to play immediately after Monte Carlo), a problem that then forced him to stop for several weeks.

Behind that social story might be hiding more than just a celebration. Indeed, Ferrero’s gesture seems to take on the contours of a coded message addressed precisely to Alcaraz. A signal that comes shortly after recent statements by Carlos himself, who told of feeling freer today, less burdened by obligations and pressures than in the past.

In this context, the reference to Sinner appears anything but neutral. Jannik represents a model of discipline, sacrifice and professionalism, one of those profiles that perfectly embody the idea of absolute dedication required to dominate world tennis. By celebrating Sinner, Ferrero may have wanted to send Carlitos a very clear message.