Carlos Alcaraz Parts Ways with Coach Juan Carlos Ferrero
In a surprising twist for the tennis community, Carlos Alcaraz declared on December 17, 2025, that he would part ways with his coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero, as he prepares for the 2026 tennis season. The 22-year-old Spaniard’s decision comes after a fruitful seven-year collaboration that saw both triumphs and personal growth.
Impact of Juan Carlos Ferrero
Ferrero has been a pivotal figure in Alcaraz’s journey since he was a budding talent just entering the sport. Under his mentorship, Alcaraz skyrocketed to become one of the premier players in tennis, achieving a remarkable 50 weeks at the top of the ATP rankings and securing six Grand Slam titles among a total of 24 trophies, including eight prestigious ATP Masters 1000 championships.
Despite their successful partnership, Alcaraz has indicated that it is time for a change. The recent recognition of Ferrero and Samuel Lopez, Alcaraz’s other coach, as the 2025 ATP Coach of the Year, added to the shock of this announcement, which Alcaraz made through an emotional message on social media.
Alcaraz’s Emotional Farewell
In his heartfelt post, Alcaraz expressed gratitude towards Ferrero, reflecting on their shared experiences and the profound impact of his coaching.
“It’s very difficult for me to write this post… After more than seven years together, Juanki and I have decided to bring our time together as coach and player to an end. Thank you for turning childhood dreams into reality,”
he wrote, highlighting the incredible journey they had shared and the growth both athletically and personally during their time together.
He emphasized the joy he found throughout their partnership, noting that they achieved their goals while pushing each other to their limits.
“I feel that if our sporting paths had to separate, it had to be from up there,”
he noted, representing the high point of their collaboration.
Looking Ahead
Looking ahead, Alcaraz acknowledged that they both would embark on new adventures, expressing confidence in their potential to excel in future endeavors. He assured Ferrero of his best wishes moving forward, underscoring the mutual respect that defined their relationship.
Ferrero’s Response
Ferrero, in turn, shared his own farewell message on social media, albeit with an ambiguous tone that sparked speculation regarding the split. The 45-year-old expressed his sentiments about saying goodbye, thanking Alcaraz for the time they spent together, while revealing a desire to continue coaching him, which raised questions among fans about the circumstances leading to this split.
“I wish I could have continued,”
Ferrero stated, hinting at personal reasons for this unexpected transition. His absence in some recent tournaments has been noted, which led to Lopez stepping into a more prominent coaching role alongside Ferrero’s diminishing presence.
Ferrero’s emotional message also touched upon the laughter, challenges, and invaluable lessons learned throughout their shared journey, marking the end of a significant chapter in both their lives. He concluded by wishing Alcaraz the best, reinforcing the importance of the team effort that enabled their joint success and the lasting bonds formed during their time together.
