Jose Perlas, the legendary tennis coach from Barcelona, Spain, celebrates 40 years of elite coaching in 2025.
Over his distinguished career, Perlas has mentored Grand Slam champions such as Carlos Moya, Albert Costa, and Juan Carlos Ferrero, and played a central role in the rise of Spanish tennis. He was instrumental in securing two Davis Cup victories with Spain’s renowned "Golden Generation."
His influence stretches beyond the court, as many of his former players have taken on coaching roles themselves—mentoring the next generation of talent, including Carlos Alcaraz and even the recently retired Rafael Nadal. Jose Perlas' coaching philosophy and legacy continue to shape the future of Spanish and global tennis.
The Key to Coaching Success in Tennis
"You have to be flexible with tennis."
Perlas emphasizes the importance of adaptability. “You need to put in a lot of hours and invest consistent effort. Every player has a different personality and a unique set of qualities. Flexibility is essential,” he explains.
Carlos Moya was extremely competitive.
Juan Carlos Ferrero had a cerebral, strategic style.
Nicolas Almagro was more visceral and emotional.
"Every player is different, and you have to find the right way to connect with them. It's not easy, but as a coach, you must have the ability—and the flexibility—to do it."
The Importance of the Davis Cup
"Being a Davis Cup coach is not easy—but it’s rewarding."
According to Jose Perlas, coaching at the Davis Cup brings unique challenges and immense satisfaction. “As a coach, you might see things from a different perspective. But you also get the opportunity to make real decisions based on deep knowledge of both your players and their opponents.”
Before Perlas' tenure, Spain had never won the Davis Cup. During his time, the nation won twice and reached another final, marking a historic period for Spanish tennis. “You can imagine how proud I was,” he recalls. “The satisfaction of achieving that goal is something I’ll never forget.”
Unlocking a Player’s Full Potential
"Don't force a player to become something they're not."
Perlas believes that understanding a player’s personality and natural abilities is key. “You have to analyze who they are and build on their strengths. Don’t waste time trying to introduce tactics that don’t suit them.”
For example, he notes:
“If a player isn’t naturally aggressive, don’t build a strategy that relies on constant net play and finishing points quickly. Instead, create a tailored pattern that aligns with their instincts and style. Coaches lose a lot of time trying to force things that just won’t work.”
Advice for Aspiring Tennis Coaches
"Don’t rush. Go step by step."
Perlas offers wise, grounded advice to younger coaches: “In tennis, you can’t expect to start and immediately reach the highest level. I used to be a player myself, but when I started coaching, I began at a local tennis club, working with kids.”
His journey progressed through years of daily learning, eventually reaching elite academies and the professional circuit. He stresses the importance of patience and humility:
“Listen to kids—they’re motivated and full of dreams. But at that age, mistakes can have a huge impact. Go slowly, learn continuously, and never stop improving. Wanting to go fast doesn’t mean you’re ready to.”
Jose Perlas' remarkable 40-year coaching journey offers invaluable insights into the mindset, adaptability, and patience required to succeed in tennis coaching. His legacy is not only in the titles won but also in the players and coaches he has inspired. As tennis continues to evolve, so too does Perlas’ impact on the game—quietly, effectively, and profoundly.