In a stunning announcement that has rocked the tennis world, Spanish sensation and current world number one Carlos Alcaraz has ended his highly successful coaching partnership with Juan Carlos Ferrero. The pair had worked together for over seven years, a period during which Alcaraz rose from a promising teenager to a dominant force in men's tennis.
A Partnership That Forged a Champion
Ferrero first began mentoring Alcaraz when the young Spaniard was just 16 years old. Under his guidance, Alcaraz's raw talent was honed into a championship-winning game. Their collaboration yielded an extraordinary haul of silverware, including six Grand Slam titles, the coveted world number one ranking, and an Olympic silver medal. Ferrero, a former world number one and French Open champion himself, brought invaluable experience to the partnership.
The timing of the announcement is particularly notable, coming just days after Ferrero, alongside Samuel Lopez, was honoured with the 2025 ATP Coach of the Year Award for their work with Alcaraz. This marked a historic achievement, making Ferrero the first person to win the award multiple times since its introduction in 2016.
Heartfelt Farewells on Social Media
Alcaraz broke the news of their separation via a deeply personal post on social media on Wednesday. He described the decision as "very difficult" and expressed profound gratitude to his long-time mentor. "Thank you for making childhood dreams come true," Alcaraz wrote, reflecting on their journey from his early days as a kid to the pinnacle of the sport.
He emphasised the personal growth he experienced under Ferrero's tutelage, stating, "You have made me grow as an athlete, but above all as a person." Alcaraz concluded by wishing Ferrero the best in future projects, asserting that they parted ways having left nothing undone in their pursuit of excellence.
Ferrero responded in kind with his own emotional Instagram post, calling it a "difficult day" filled with nostalgia. He thanked Alcaraz for his trust and effort, and highlighted the "unforgettable moments" and challenges they overcame together. Ferrero expressed pride in their shared accomplishments and excitement for the future, leaving the door open for their paths to cross again.
Unanswered Questions and Future Prospects
Neither Alcaraz nor Ferrero has publicly disclosed the specific reasons behind the split. The announcement confirms Ferrero's departure from Alcaraz's immediate coaching setup. However, Alcaraz will continue to work with Samuel Lopez, who is based at Ferrero's academy in Alicante.
This sudden change marks a significant turning point for the 22-year-old champion as he prepares for the 2026 season. The tennis community will be watching closely to see how Alcaraz adapts and who might fill the considerable void left by one of the sport's most respected coaches. The end of this legendary partnership closes a defining chapter in modern tennis history.
