Adriano Panatta, the 1976 Roland Garros champion, has weighed in on Carlos Alcaraz’s decision to part ways with coach Juan Carlos Ferrero at the end of 2025. Speaking to Italian newspaper *Corriere della Sera*, Panatta highlighted a striking remark from Alcaraz following the split. “I was really impressed when Carlos said that without Ferrero, he could finally make his own decisions,” Panatta explained.
According to the Italian legend, those words revealed Alcaraz’s need for greater independence in his career. “Clearly, that was weighing on him. He preferred freedom, even at the risk of suffering more defeats,” Panatta added, admitting he personally related to that mindset. “I am like him,” he confessed.
Panatta also discussed world No. 1 Jannik Sinner, pushing back against the perception of the Italian as a cold or robotic player. “Calling Sinner a machine is unfair,” Panatta defended. “I admire his desire to improve. Every day he tries to perfect his game.” In his view, Sinner’s relentless ambition sets him apart. “Normally, one trains to do well what they already know. Jannik does not,” he concluded.
