Carlos Alcaraz has broken his silence over his shock split from coach Juan Carlos Ferrero, insisting the decision was mutual. The 22-year-old Spaniard parted ways with his long-time mentor during the off-season, ahead of the Australian Open.
Alcaraz, who rose to world number one and won six Grand Slams under Ferrero's guidance, will continue working with Samuel Lopez. He said the change was a natural conclusion to their seven-year partnership. 'It is something we just decided. I think chapter of life, that is a time that has to be end. We decided like this,' he said.
The world number three expressed gratitude to Ferrero, a former world number one and French Open champion. 'I got to say that I'm really grateful for this seven years I've been with Juan Carlos. I learned a lot. Probably thanks to him I'm the player that I am right now,' Alcaraz said. He added that the routine remains unchanged and he has full confidence in his current team.
Alcaraz is aiming to win the Australian Open for the first time, having never progressed beyond the quarter-finals in Melbourne. He called it his 'main goal for this year' as he bids to become the youngest man to complete the career Grand Slam. His rival Jannik Sinner is the two-time defending champion.
