Carlos Alcaraz is further strengthening his support network by adding a new physiotherapist to his team. However, this move does not signal the departure of his long-time physiotherapist, Juanjo Moreno, who continues to play a crucial role in his setup.
Eurosport Spain recently reported that Fran Rubio, a “close friend and trusted physiotherapist” of the world No. 3, has begun working with Alcaraz. Their first tournament together is the ongoing Rotterdam Open, where Alcaraz faced Botic van der Zandschlup in his opening match. Rubio was seen in Alcaraz’s player box, while Moreno remained at home, further fueling the narrative of a reshaped support staff.
Alcaraz, as the report suggests, values the importance of surrounding himself with not only professionals who are highly skilled but also people he trusts on a personal level. “He wants competent and trustworthy people close to him,” stated the report. “The Murcian increasingly prioritizes the personal aspect, without leaving aside the professional, logically. In this case, Fran Rubio meets both requirements. Clubmates for years, they share a deep friendship, and Alcaraz has complete faith in his work to help with his physical care during different parts of the tour.”
Although Rubio’s arrival brings some change, Juanjo Moreno remains a cornerstone of Alcaraz’s team, maintaining his position as the leader of the physical care section.
Throughout his young career, Alcaraz has battled injuries that have kept him out of high-profile tournaments. Notably, he missed the 2022 ATP Finals and the 2023 Australian Open due to back and hamstring issues. In 2023, he also had to skip the Monte Carlo Masters and the Italian Open. As such, the addition of Rubio seems designed to further bolster his injury management strategy, similar to the arrangement between Alcaraz’s coach Juan Carlos Ferrero and Samuel López.
Ferrero, the 2003 French Open champion, has been Alcaraz’s coach since 2016, guiding him to two Wimbledon titles, a French Open win, and the US Open title. Under Ferrero’s mentorship, Alcaraz also became the youngest-ever world No. 1 in 2022. Samuel López, who joined the team in late 2024, now works alongside Rubio as part of the coaching setup in Rotterdam.
When asked about Ferrero’s absence from the tournament, Alcaraz shared, “It doesn’t matter, it’s clear that I love spending time with Juan Carlos, but Samu is also a great coach who I trust 100%.” He added, “I was training with Juanki at home, and he knows me perfectly, Samu also knows me, I trust him 100%, so nothing changes.”
While Ferrero had been with Alcaraz in Melbourne for the Australian Open, where the young Spaniard reached the quarter-finals before losing to Novak Djokovic, this shift in the team’s dynamics reflects Alcaraz’s growth and evolving approach. Along with Ferrero, López, Moreno, and Rubio, Alcaraz’s team also includes physical trainer Alberto Lledo and agent Albert Molina, all of whom play significant roles in his career. This growing support structure speaks to the meticulous care Alcaraz is receiving as he continues his quest for excellence on the ATP Tour.