Carlos Alcaraz Calls Split with Coach Juan Carlos Ferrero 'A Chapter of Life That Has to End'
World number one tennis player Carlos Alcaraz has broken his silence on the surprising split with his longtime coach Juan Carlos Ferrero. The 22-year-old Spaniard described the development as a necessary closure in his life. This news comes just as Alcaraz prepares for the Australian Open in Melbourne, which starts this Sunday.
Mutual Decision Ends Seven-Year Partnership
Alcaraz confirmed that he and Ferrero closed this chapter mutually last month. He expressed deep gratitude for their seven years together. "I'm really grateful for the seven years I've been with Juan Carlos. I learned a lot. It is probably thanks to him I'm the player that I am right now," Alcaraz said on Friday. He emphasized that they remain friends and maintain a good relationship despite the professional separation.
Ferrero, a former world number one and Grand Slam champion himself, had coached Alcaraz since the player was just 15 years old. He played a pivotal role in Alcaraz winning six major titles, including the French Open in 2025. Their bond was so strong that Ferrero once referred to Alcaraz as his "fourth child."
Ferrero's Perspective on the Split
In his own comments to Spanish sports newspaper Marca, Ferrero hinted at unresolved issues but believed they could have been worked out. "Perhaps they could have been resolved if we had sat down to talk, but in the end, we didn't, and we decided not to continue," Ferrero explained. He admitted that the split has been a radical change and not a pleasant time for him, stating that adaptation is not easy.
Ferrero had previously alluded to some contract issues, but neither party has provided detailed reasons for the separation. The tennis world was taken aback by the announcement, given their successful track record.
Alcaraz's Focus on Australian Open and Career Grand Slam
Alcaraz is currently in Melbourne, gearing up for the Australian Open. He aims to complete a career Grand Slam by winning the title. If successful, he would become the youngest man in history to achieve this remarkable feat. The tournament presents a significant milestone in his career, especially now without Ferrero by his side.
The Spaniard assured that his training routine remains largely unchanged. "I have the same team that I had last year. Just one member missing. But the rest of the team, everyone is the same," he added. Ferrero is the only absentee from Alcaraz's coaching team from the previous season.
Internal Team Decision
Alcaraz revealed that the decision to part ways with Ferrero was made after extensive deliberations within his close-knit support group. "It was internal, it was ours. It is something we decided as a team. Being such a professional and united group, there is not a single move that we do not discuss and talk about. So, it was an internal decision and in the end, it was carried out that way," he explained.
This internal consensus highlights the collaborative nature of Alcaraz's team, even in making tough choices like ending a long-standing coaching relationship.
As the Australian Open approaches, all eyes will be on Carlos Alcaraz to see how he performs without his mentor. The split marks the end of a significant chapter, but Alcaraz seems determined to write new successes in Melbourne and beyond.
