Carlos Alcaraz’s coach issues statement after ‘fake’ rumours he has cancer spread

Juan Carlos Ferrero, the former world No. 1 and current coach of Carlos Alcaraz, has issued a statement confirming that he is not suffering from cancer. The Spanish tennis icon took to social media to slam the recent reports and rumours as “completely fake”.

Ferrero did not join Alcaraz at his last two tournaments, the Laver Cup and the Japan Open. Instead, second coach Samuel Lopez was in the box for Alcaraz’s latest title triumph in Tokyo, before the world No. 1 pulled out of the Shanghai Masters.

And the 2003 French Open champion has now been forced to deny reports that he had cancer, condemning the spread of false information.

“During this last days there have been many fake news and rumors about my health, saying that I’m suffering from Cancer. I want to be clear: This is completely fake,” Ferrero wrote in a statement released on Instagram.

“Moreover than deny it, I would like to express my concern on using such a sensible topics to generate clicks and views. Cancer is a serious disease that has marked my family and many others. This topic deserves maximum respect.

“I appreciate the supportive messages but, above all, I would like to request responsibility to those who spread this kind of information without checking its veracity.”

Ferrero had been planning to join Alcaraz at the Shanghai Masters had his protege not withdrawn from the tournament.

The world No. 1 picked up an ankle injury in his opening match at the Japan Open but was able to play on and was crowned the champion. But he decided to skip Shanghai, writing: “I’m very disappointed to announce that I won’t be able to play the Rolex Shanghai Masters this year.

“Unfortunately, I’ve been struggling with some physical issues and, after discussing with my team, we believe the best decision is to rest and recover.

“I was really looking forward to playing in front of the amazing fans in Shanghai again. I hope to be back soon and see my Chinese fans next year.”

Meanwhile, Ferrero has been busy at his tennis academy in Alicante which recently hosted a Challenger Tour event, won by Pablo Carreno Busta.

According to Marca, Alcaraz is set to return to training on Friday, with Ferrero assisting him. The 22-year-old is then expected to compete in next week’s Six Kings Slam exhibition in Saudi Arabia.