Carlos Alcaraz, the reigning World No. 1 in men’s tennis, has made headlines once again by announcing the end of his long-term coaching relationship with former tennis champion Juan Carlos Ferrero. This unexpected development came through a heartfelt message on social media, marking the conclusion of a partnership that spanned over seven impactful years.
Alcaraz expressed his emotions in an Instagram post, detailing how difficult it was for him to convey such news. He acknowledged the significant role Ferrero played in his development, reminiscing about their journey from his early days in tennis to achieving remarkable success on the international stage. “Thank you for making my childhood dreams a reality,” Alcaraz wrote, highlighting the trust and camaraderie that flourished between the player and his mentor. Their collaboration yielded an impressive 24 titles, including six Grand Slam victories, solidifying Alcaraz’s status as one of the remarkable talents of this generation.
This announcement comes at a particularly poignant time, as Ferrero recently celebrated being named Coach of the Year for the second time, an honor spotlighting his influential guidance during Alcaraz’s meteoric rise in the sport. The timing of the split raised eyebrows, especially given that the two had celebrated numerous milestones together, including Alcaraz’s historic achievements in 2025, where he triumphed in eight tournaments, including prestigious events such as the Roland Garros and the US Open.
Ferrero, for his part, took to social media following the announcement to convey his sentiment about the separation, indicating that it wasn’t an easy choice for him. “I wish I could have continued,” he reflected, acknowledging the bond they formed over their years together. He remains optimistic about Alcaraz’s future, expressing confidence that great achievements are still ahead for the young star. “Despite the difficulties, we have been an incredible team. Good memories and good people always find a way to cross paths again,” Ferrero stated, underlining the respect that persists between them.
As Alcaraz prepares to compete in the upcoming Australian Open, he will aim to make history by potentially becoming the youngest player in the Open Era to complete a career Grand Slam. The tennis world will be watching closely as he embarks on this new chapter, eager to see how the absence of Ferrero might influence his performance on the court.
