Alcaraz could be a lost lamb at the Games

Carlos Alcaraz could be left adrift at the Paris Olympic after learning that on-court coaching – now a fixture on the ATP – will be banned at the Games which begin in a month.

The Spaniard who was bounced out of Queen’s in his opening match this week by Brit Jack Draper is heavily dependent on coach and former No. 1  Juan Carlos Ferrero to feed him tactics and encouragement from the player box.

But the Olympics ban coaching in all its forms, leaving the 21-year-old admittedly flailing to work out his own strategy.

Alcaraz, ranked second with a Wimbledon title to defend starting in nine days. admitted during Roland Garros that he relies on his mentor to show him the way out of trouble on court.

He told French sports daily L’Equipe: “In the vast majority of cases, I apply what Juan Carlos advises me to do..

“The coach is there to support you and to give you the best instructions for you – (which) I apply. 

“There are plenty of moments where I don’t really know what to do on the court. Others where I get frustrated because I can’t find the right way to play.”

 Olympic rules spell out a USD 20,000 fine for coaching infractions leading to potential default for repeat offenders.

Alcaraz is lined up to play Olympic doubles alongside idol Rafael Nadal, with the 22-time Grand Slam winner set able to freely dispense advice between points on court to see his unsure young partner through any rough patches..