World number one Carlos Alcaraz has confirmed the end of his long-standing coaching relationship with Juan Carlos Ferrero, describing it as a “chapter of life that has to end.” The announcement surprised tennis fans worldwide, as Ferrero had been Alcaraz’s coach since he was just 15 years old, guiding him through his meteoric rise to the top of the sport.
Alcaraz Reflects on Split
Alcaraz, 22, emphasized that the decision was mutual and amicable, despite being unexpected. He told BBC Sport:
“We both are still friends and maintain a good relationship. But we decided to close this chapter together. I am really grateful for the seven years I’ve spent with Juan Carlos. It’s probably thanks to him that I am the player I am today.”
Under Ferrero’s guidance, Alcaraz won six Grand Slam titles—including two Wimbledon, two French Open, and two US Open crowns—establishing himself as one of the sport’s brightest young stars.
The Spanish prodigy now aims to become the youngest man to complete a career Grand Slam at the Australian Open, which begins on Sunday, 18 January, at Melbourne Park. He opens his campaign against Australia’s Adam Walton.
Ferrero Speaks Out
Ferrero, who won the 2003 French Open, revealed in an interview with Marca that he had expected to continue coaching Alcaraz in Melbourne. He cited contractual issues as a factor in the split:
“There were certain issues with contracts. 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. It’s been a radical change for everyone. Adapting isn’t easy, and for me, it’s obviously not a pleasant time.”
Ferrero once described Alcaraz as his “fourth child,” highlighting the deep personal bond they shared over seven years.
Observers Note Strains
Some tennis commentators suggest that tensions had been building. Former British player Naomi Broady noted cracks in the partnership during the Paris Masters last October:
“Alcaraz played pretty terribly. There was a lot of tension. He was shouting at his box and reacting, so there were definitely cracks in the relationship.”
Despite the split, Samuel Lopez, who has been part of Alcaraz’s team since 2024 and stepped in during Ferrero’s absences, remains with the world number one. Alcaraz reassured fans:
“I have the same team that I had last year. Just one member missing. But the rest of the team, everyone is the same.”
Coaching Changes Across Tennis
Alcaraz’s decision mirrors a trend among top players. Daniil Medvedev, who split with long-time coach Gilles Cervara after eight years, described his own change as a pivotal moment:
“It was a big decision in my life. In the end, it was the moment to do it—a turning point. It helped me a lot.”
Medvedev added Thomas Johansson and Rohan Goetzke to his team, culminating in his first title in 882 days at the Almaty Open in October.
Similarly, British number three Katie Boulter begins 2026 with a new coach, appointing American Michael Joyce, the former coach of Maria Sharapova, after splitting from Biljana Veselinovic. Boulter explained:
“This is the first time I’ve actively searched for a coach myself. You have to trust your instincts, and I think that matched up pretty well.”
Australian Open 2026 Outlook
Alcaraz enters the Australian Open 2026 with a familiar support team minus Ferrero, aiming to add to his already impressive Grand Slam tally. The tournament runs from 18 January to 1 February at Melbourne Park, with live radio coverage across BBC Radio 5 Live Sport and BBC Sounds, and live text commentary on the BBC Sport website and app.
This split marks a new era in Alcaraz’s career, as he seeks to prove that his world number one status is sustainable even without the guidance of his long-time mentor.
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