In a major shake-up for world tennis, Spanish superstar Carlos Alcaraz has officially ended his long and triumphant partnership with his coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero. This decision brings the curtain down on a remarkable seven-year journey that propelled the young Spaniard to the pinnacle of the men's game.
An End of an Era: From Prodigy to World No. 1
The current world number one made the announcement official on Wednesday through a heartfelt message on his social media channels. Ferrero, a former world number one himself, released a separate statement, expressing both his gratitude and his sadness at the conclusion of their time working together. Their partnership began when Alcaraz was just 15 years old, with Ferrero guiding him through one of the most spectacular ascents in modern tennis history.
Under Ferrero's expert tutelage, Alcaraz achieved monumental success. Their collaboration yielded an impressive six Grand Slam singles titles. The young champion lifted the French Open and Wimbledon trophies twice, and also secured two US Open victories. Beyond the majors, Alcaraz collected a total of 24 tour-level titles, which include eight prestigious Masters 1000 crowns.
Emotional Farewells and Unforgettable Milestones
"After more than seven years together, Juanki and I have decided to end our chapter as coach and player," Alcaraz wrote. He thanked Ferrero for transforming his childhood dreams into reality, noting they started when he was "barely a kid" and shared an incredible journey both on and off the court.
One of the defining highlights of their alliance came in 2022, when a 19-year-old Alcaraz triumphed at the US Open. That victory made him the youngest player ever to reach the world No. 1 ranking in ATP history. Reflecting on the split, Ferrero called it a difficult day. "Saying goodbye is never easy, especially after so many shared experiences," he said. "We have worked hard, grown together, and lived unforgettable moments."
What Lies Ahead for the Spanish Champion?
Alcaraz has not yet revealed if he will appoint a new head coach immediately. Last year, Samuel Lopez joined Alcaraz's team to work alongside Ferrero. Notably, both Ferrero and Lopez were recently honoured as ATP Coaches of the Year.
This award followed another stellar season for Alcaraz in 2024, where he reclaimed the world No. 1 spot after winning 71 matches – the highest number in a single year in his career. He finished the season with eight titles, including major wins at Roland Garros and the US Open.
Despite stepping away, Ferrero voiced strong confidence in his former protégé's future. "We have been an incredible team despite the difficulties," Ferrero stated. "I am sure he will continue to achieve great success. I wish I could have continued, and I believe good people and good memories always find a way to cross paths again."
