Carlos Alcaraz’s stunning decision to part ways with longtime coach Juan Carlos Ferrero earlier this year did not come as suddenly as it first appeared. According to multiple Spanish reports, the world No.1’s entourage had already explored replacing Ferrero as far back as late 2024- with three-time Grand Slam champion Andy Murray identified as their preferred successor.
Carlos Alcaraz- Juan Carlos Ferrero Break Up
Alcaraz announced his split from Ferrero earlier this month, ending one of the most successful player-coach partnerships of the modern era. Over seven years together, Ferrero guided his compatriot to six Grand Slam titles, eight ATP Masters 1000 crowns and two year-end No.1 finishes. Their final major triumph came at the 2024 US Open, where Alcaraz defeated Jannik Sinner to claim his second title in New York.
Given those achievements- and Ferrero’s recent ATP Coach of the Year award alongside Samuel López- the breakup shocked the tennis world. However, behind the scenes, tensions had reportedly been simmering for some time.
Behind the Scenes
Spanish outlet Punto de Break and journalist José Morón revealed that Alcaraz’s inner circle grew increasingly concerned during the latter stages of the 2024 season. Despite winning the French Open and successfully defending his Wimbledon title, Alcaraz struggled after the Olympic Games. He suffered early defeats and appeared mentally drained. The concerns were aggravated after shock second-round exit at the US Open, an emotional racket smash in Cincinnati and a disappointing ATP Finals campaign.
According to Morón, Alcaraz’s entourage attributed much of the burnout to Ferrero’s strict, high-intensity approach to scheduling and competition. While Ferrero pushed for continuity and momentum, Alcaraz reportedly felt overwhelmed and wanted to reassess how his career was being managed.
That tension came to a head during contract renegotiations at the end of 2024. Ferrero later confirmed that both sides were “pulling in different directions,” admitting there were unresolved disagreements that ultimately led to the split.
Novak Djokovic Takes Away Andy Murray
What makes the story more intriguing is the revelation that Alcaraz’s camp had already lined up a potential replacement. Andy Murray, who retired from professional tennis in 2024, was viewed as an ideal candidate due to his tactical intelligence, mental resilience and deep understanding of the modern game. Murray had previously spoken publicly about his admiration for Alcaraz and expressed interest in coaching him.
The Brit had already committed to joining Novak Djokovic’s coaching team ahead of the 2025 Australian Open, effectively shutting the door on a possible partnership with the Spaniard.
Crucially, reports indicate that Alcaraz himself halted the move to dismiss Ferrero in 2024, insisting on continuing their partnership despite pressure from those around him. It was only a year later, when differences became impossible to reconcile, that the split finally occurred.
Also Read: Is Rafael Nadal Set To Coach Carlos Alcaraz?
The Hunt Continues…
For now, Samuel López remains as Alcaraz’s interim head coach, with no permanent appointment yet announced. While the Alcaraz-Murray partnership did not happen, sources suggest the mutual respect between the two remains strong, leaving open the possibility of a future collaboration.
As Alcaraz prepares for the 2026 Australian Open- where he will attempt to complete a career Grand Slam- his coaching setup remains one of the most closely watched storylines in men’s tennis.
