Carlos Alcaraz has announced a shock split from his long-time coach, his fellow Spaniard Juan Carlos Ferrero, who has underlined that he wanted their arrangement to continue and that he hopes they will work together again.
Alcaraz, 22, already a six-times grand-slam singles champion, began training at Ferrero’s academy, a 1½-hour drive from Alcaraz’s family home in Murcia, near Alicante, when he was 15.
Ferrero, the former French Open champion, became Alcaraz’s full-time coach at 16, recognising a player brimming with talent who needed to build consistency into his game. Three years later, he won the first of his grand-slam titles, aged 19, at the 2022 US Open, to which he has since added two Wimbledon titles, two French Opens and his second US Open in September.
Ferrero, left, said he “wished I could have continued” in his own statement after the split was confirmed
CLIVE BRUNSKILL/GETTY IMAGES
This year, he faced Jannik Sinner in three grand-slam finals, winning in New York and Paris, and losing at Wimbledon. He finished the year ranked ahead of Sinner as the world No1.
All those achievements came with Ferrero at his side, but now there is uncertainty over Alcaraz’s support network. In a statement, he did not give a specific reason for the split, instead underlining his gratitude for Ferrero’s guidance.
“Thank you for turning my childhood dreams into reality,” Alcaraz said. “We started this journey when I was just a kid, and throughout this time you’ve accompanied me on an incredible adventure, both on and off the court. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed every step of it with you. We reached the top, and I feel that if our sporting paths had to diverge, it should be from up there.”
Next month, at the Australian Open, Alcaraz will attempt to become the youngest player to complete the career grand slam. Ferrero, 45, who had previously worked with Alexander Zverev, released a statement, thanking Alcaraz but also expressing his regret.
“Today is a difficult day, one when it’s hard to find the right words,” he said. “We have worked hard, grown together and shared unforgettable moments. We have been an incredible team despite the difficulties and I’m sure you will continue to achieve great success.
“I wish I could have continued. I am convinced that good memories and good people always find a way to cross paths again.”