The news of Carlos Alcaraz parting ways with his longtime coach, Juan Carlos Ferrer,o hit like a thunderbolt. This duo, who turned the Spaniard into a world No. 1 and six-time Grand Slam champion, called it quits just before the new year. Now, Ferrero has broken his silence, sharing the raw pain behind the decision in a candid interview with Marca.
The Infamous Split
The split came as a shock after seven incredible years together. Ferrero started coaching Alcaraz when he was only 15, building him from a promising talent into the youngest world No. 1 in Open Era history. They won 24 ATP titles, including majors at every Slam except the Australian Open. Ferrero earned ATP Coach of the Year twice, in 2022 and 2025, and Alcaraz often called him a “second father.” Yet, contract talks at year’s end broke down over key disagreements.
Juan Carlos Opens Up
Juan Carlos Ferrero insists money was not the issue, despite rumours of salary demands. “The financial issue wasn’t one of the problems,” he said firmly. He also dismissed talk of rivalry between his Ferrero Tennis Academy in Villena and Alcaraz’s family academy in Murcia. “We’ve never seen this as a rivalry,” Ferrero explained. “Carlos would want to spend more time at home… We offered the academy so he could train whenever necessary, but it was never an obligation.”
What Really Stung?
“Everything seemed like it was set to continue,” Juan Carlos Ferrero reflected. “There were certain things on which we did not agree… It may be that they could have been saved if we had sat down to talk, but in the end, we didn’t.”
The emotional toll is clear. “Right now, I’m hurting,” Ferrero admitted. “These kinds of relationships are difficult to end overnight… I gave it my all. I poured my heart and soul into this project.” He invested huge time, enthusiasm, and work, grateful for the journey but needing space. “I think maybe we both need some time to fully process this breakup.”
Juan Carlos Ferrero isn’t ruling out a future reunion, “not closing the door,” but he plans a break before his next coaching gig. Alcaraz, now 22 and year-end No. 1, stays quiet so far. Reports say Samuel Lopez, his assistant since December 2024, takes over. Alcaraz eyes that elusive Australian Open title starting January 18, the final piece for a career Grand Slam.
Toni Nadal called it “not about tennis,” echoing the personal side. For fans, this feels like the end of pure cinema on court. Ferrero’s words remind us: even champions face tough goodbyes. Stay tuned, tennis waits for no one, and Alcaraz’s next chapter could be his biggest yet.
Also read: Carlos Alcaraz Announces Shock Split With Coach Juan Carlos Ferrero
