In a stunning development in men’s tennis, six-time Grand Slam champion Carlos Alcaraz has announced a split with his long-time coach Juan Carlos Ferrero. The 22-year-old Spaniard, who has been guided by Ferrero since his teenage years, confirmed the news on Wednesday ahead of the 2026 season.
Alcaraz’s partnership with Ferrero has been one of the most successful and celebrated coach-player relationships in modern tennis. Together, they navigated Alcaraz from a promising junior into a dominant force on the ATP Tour, capturing all six of his Grand Slam titles, including the most recent 2025 US Open victory.
A Journey From Teenager to World Number One
Alcaraz began training with former world number one Juan Carlos Ferrero at age 15 at Ferrero’s academy near Murcia, Spain. Ferrero, 45, took on the role of mentor and coach after being persuaded by Alcaraz’s agent, Albert Molina, who had recognized the young prodigy’s potential at age 11.
“Thank you for turning childhood dreams into realities,” Alcaraz said in a statement.
“We started this journey when I was barely a kid, and throughout all this time, you’ve accompanied me on an incredible journey, on and off the court. I’ve enjoyed every step of it so much with you.”
Under Ferrero’s guidance, Alcaraz captured his first major at the 2022 US Open, followed by Wimbledon 2023, the French Open 2024, a second Wimbledon in 2024, and the French Open and US Open in 2025. The duo’s success also helped Alcaraz finish the year-end as world number one.
Ferrero Reflects on the Partnership
Ferrero expressed his regret at the decision, highlighting the personal bond he shared with Alcaraz.
“I wish I could have continued,” Ferrero said.
“I am convinced that good memories and good people always find a way to cross paths again.”
Ferrero often described Alcaraz as his “fourth child,” and the pair’s relationship extended beyond the court. Ferrero’s coaching style, emphasizing discipline, focus, and tactical awareness, played a crucial role in shaping Alcaraz into one of the most formidable players on the ATP Tour.
Timing of the Split Raises Questions
The announcement came just over a month after Alcaraz concluded the season as world number one and after the ATP Finals in Turin, where he lost to his rival Jannik Sinner. Many observers did not see the split coming, particularly given Alcaraz’s stellar performance at the US Open, which he described as the best of his career.
A documentary released in 2024 had shown occasional tension between Alcaraz and Ferrero, with Ferrero expressing frustration at Alcaraz’s off-court choices and occasional lapses in focus. Despite this, Alcaraz consistently credited Ferrero for his tactical acumen and mental toughness on the biggest stages.
The split, which appears to have been initiated by Alcaraz rather than Ferrero, opens up one of the most intriguing storylines in men’s tennis heading into 2026. Fans and analysts will be keen to see how Alcaraz adapts without his long-time mentor and whether his trajectory toward completing a career Grand Slam continues unimpeded.
Next Steps for Alcaraz
Alcaraz has not revealed who will take over as his primary coach. However, Samuel Lopez, who has occasionally guided Alcaraz when Ferrero was unavailable since 2024, is expected to remain involved. The 2026 season, beginning with the Australian Open, will test Alcaraz’s ability to maintain his top-ranking status without the guidance of the coach who helped him rise to tennis stardom.
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