Carlos Alcaraz has broken his silence on the sudden end to his seven-year coaching partnership with Juan Carlos Ferrero, confirming the decision was mutual. The world No. 1 arrived at the Australian Open without Ferrero, who had coached him since age 15, guiding him to six Grand Slam titles and the youngest world No. 1 ranking in ATP history.
Speaking ahead of the tournament, Alcaraz said: 'With Juan Carlos, we decide to do it. I'm just having plenty of confident of the team that I have right now.' He stressed that the rest of his team remains unchanged, with Samuel Lopez stepping into the head coach role. 'We closed this chapter in mutual. We both are still friends, good relationship,' Alcaraz added.
Ferrero had earlier admitted he did not want to leave, writing in an emotional statement: 'I wish I could have continued.' Speculation had linked the split to contract disagreements and involvement from Alcaraz's father, but Alcaraz dismissed any rift, saying: 'It is something we just decide. I think chapter of life that is a time that has to be end.'
Alcaraz also revealed he has worked on his serve during pre-season, drawing comparisons to Novak Djokovic's motion. 'I didn't think about making the same serve as Djokovic. But at the end, I can even see the similarities,' he said with a smile.
