While much of the focus surrounding Carlos Alcaraz ahead of the Australian Open has centered on the prospect of a legacy-defining Career Grand Slam, not long ago, the spotlight shifted to something far more unexpected. During what appeared to be a routine offseason, Alcaraz announced that he would be splitting with long-time head coach Juan Carlos Ferrero.
The news stunned the tennis world. In hindsight, signs of strain in the historic partnership had existed, but few expected a separation so soon. The timing made the decision even more shocking: Alcaraz had just finished 2025 ranked No.1 in the world, and Ferrero had recently won ATP Coach of the Year.
Alcaraz Opens up on Split With Ferrero
A month after the announcement that sent shockwaves through the sport, Alcaraz has finally addressed the split and what it means for his career ahead. Speaking at his pre-tournament press conference at Melbourne Park, the world No.1 explained that:
“It was a mutual decision. In life, there are chapters that must close, and we felt this was the right time. I’m very grateful for these seven years with Juan Carlos. Thanks to him, in a big part, I’m the player I am today. I learned so much. But we both decided to close this chapter amicably… No decision is made without discussing it together. So it was something we addressed internally, and we did it that way, collaboratively and naturally.”
Ferrero Suggests Communication Could Have Saved Partnership
Interestingly, when Ferrero reflected on the breakup a couple of weeks ago, he admitted that better communication might have preserved the partnership. He felt both camps were pulled in different directions and ultimately failed to resolve internal disagreements.
“There were certain things we disagreed on. As with all contracts, one side pulls in one direction and the other in another. Carlos’s camp thinks about what’s best for him, and mine thinks about what’s best for me. There were certain issues on which both parties disagreed. 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.”
What Changes for Alcaraz
Despite the coaching change, Alcaraz has maintained continuity across the rest of his team. Samuel Lopez now steps in as head coach, a promotion Alcaraz views as a positive rather than a disruption.
“There were no changes to the routines. We focused on the things we needed to improve compared to last season. As I said, I have practically the same team as last year, only one member is missing. The rest remains the same. So we didn’t change the routine, we continued with the same plan, but trying to improve some specific details.”
Alcaraz, undoubtedly one of the most gifted players the sport has ever seen, has never competed on the ATP Tour without Ferrero in his box. The former world No. 1 coach became known for his vocal, courtside presence and emotional investment in Alcaraz’s rise.
While Alcaraz remains arguably the player to beat on tour, the tennis world will watch closely to see how he adapts, especially as he chases historical milestones over the coming seasons.
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane – Imagn Images