The tennis world is still reeling from Carlos Alcaraz’s sudden split with long-time coach Juan Carlos Ferrero, a decision that has sent shockwaves through the sport and ignited intense speculation about who might guide the world No. 1 next.
Alcaraz and Ferrero had been inseparable for seven years, forging one of the most successful player-coach partnerships of the modern era. Under Ferrero’s guidance, Alcaraz rose from a promising teenager at the former world No. 1’s academy into a six-time Grand Slam champion and the youngest world No. 1 in ATP history. That history made the timing of their separation all the more surprising- coming just days after Ferrero was named ATP Coach of the Year and only weeks before the 2026 Australian Open.
Who Will Coach Carlos Alcaraz After Split From Juan Carlos Ferrero?
For now, continuity will come from within. Samuel López, a trusted Ferrero associate who joined Alcaraz’s team in 2025, is set to take on a lead role as the Spaniard prepares for Melbourne. However, few believe López will necessarily be the long-term solution, and the search for a more prominent coaching figure has already begun.
Several high-profile Spanish names have been mentioned. Spain’s Davis Cup captain David Ferrer is viewed as a strong candidate due to his work ethic and tactical discipline, while former world No. 1 Carlos Moyá- who enjoyed great success coaching Rafael Nadal- has also been linked with the role.
The most tantalising possibility, however, is Nadal himself.
The idea of the 22-time Grand Slam champion joining Carlos Alcaraz’s camp has captured imaginations across the tennis world, especially given their close relationship and Olympic doubles partnership in Paris last year. Yet despite the appeal, former British No. 1 Greg Rusedski has firmly dismissed the likelihood of such a move.
Speaking on his Off Court with Greg podcast, Rusedski explained that Nadal’s current stage of life makes a return to the relentless grind of the ATP Tour highly improbable.
“I just don’t think Rafael Nadal is at a time in his life when he wants to get back on the tour and travel every week,” Rusedski said. “He has two young children and he seems to be enjoying his retirement. I just don’t see him giving everything up to go back on the road with Alcaraz.”
Rusedski also questioned what might have driven the split between Alcaraz and Ferrero in the first place. With finances ruled out- Alcaraz recently signed a lucrative new deal with Nike- he suggested the issue may have been rooted in lifestyle and communication rather than results.
“We don’t know whose decision this was, but who can believe it?” Rusedski said. “You win coach of the year one week, Alcaraz is player of the year and world No. 1, and suddenly he splits with his coach. It’s a shock.”
He speculated that differences over training intensity, scheduling, and Alcaraz’s desire to enjoy life off court may have created tension.
“If you are happy off court, you play better,” Rusedski added. “If you try to change someone’s personality, it can get more difficult. That may be where the battle lines were drawn.”
Also Read: Carlos Alcaraz: List Of Titles Won In 2025
Despite acknowledging that Nadal would be a “sensation” as a coach- citing his values, humility, and competitive mindset- even those close to Alcaraz admit such a reunion is more fantasy than reality.
With the Australian Open looming, attention now turns to how the world No. 1 will respond to this upheaval. Melbourne remains the one major where Alcaraz has yet to reach the semifinals, and victory there would complete his Career Grand Slam- a milestone achieved by only five men in the Open Era.
For now, stability rather than star power appears to be the priority. But given the magnitude of Ferrero’s departure, the next coaching appointment may prove one of the most important decisions of Carlos Alcaraz’s already glittering career.
