Juan Carlos Ferrero has admitted he would have advised against Carlos Alcaraz's decision to purchase a superyacht, revealing he often said no to his former protege. The pair ended their seven-year partnership in December 2025.
Ferrero guided Alcaraz from a teenage talent to a world-class player, helping him secure six Grand Slam titles. However, Ferrero was not present when the 23-year-old won the Australian Open in February 2026, and their relationship has since cooled.
In March 2026, it emerged that Alcaraz had bought a Sunreef Ultima 88 catamaran valued at approximately £8.6 million, also becoming a brand ambassador for the company. When asked about Riccardo Piatti's suggestion that Ferrero would not have supported the purchase, Ferrero agreed.
"He's right," Ferrero told Corriere della Sera. "Maybe I said no to Carlos too many times, but Carlos was family to me, and that's how I raise my children."
Alcaraz, however, defended his decision. "Living in Murcia, it's really easy for me because we have good weather the whole year and the sea is very close to home," he told Superyacht Times. "For two years now, I've felt like I really wanted to be an owner."
Ferrero, a former world No.1 and 2003 French Open champion, reflected on their split with some sadness. "Talking about it brings back memories, a little sadness is normal," he said. "But I'm fine: I move between the Academy and home, I have plenty of travel, I gave Carlos everything I could. Talking about it is never easy."
The pair have had minimal contact since parting ways. "Not much," Ferrero admitted. "I wrote to him when he won in Australia and Doha. I spoke to him when he got injured. Nothing more. We both needed space to start over."
Alcaraz has been sidelined since suffering a wrist injury during the Barcelona Open in April 2026. He missed the French Open and has also withdrawn from Wimbledon.
