Carlos Alcaraz and Juan Carlos Ferrero have gone their separate ways, and the tennis world is still adjusting its binoculars.
The 22 year old world number one announced on Wednesday that he and Ferrero have “decided to part ways” ahead of the 2026 season, ending a partnership that began when Alcaraz was a teenager.
A Seven-Year Partnership Ends
Thank you for turning childhood dreams into realities,
Carlos Alcaraz
Alcaraz began training with Ferrero at about age 15, a relationship born from Ferrero spotting a promising local youngster and committing to a long term project that quickly produced results on the professional tour.
Ferrero, a former world number one and 2003 French Open champion, guided Alcaraz into the pro ranks and remained by his side through the highs and the inevitable scrutiny that comes with rapid success.
Under Ferrero’s guidance Alcaraz collected an astonishing haul of titles, including six Grand Slam wins and a career best season in 2025 that featured a season leading 71 match wins, numbers that underline the partnership’s on court effectiveness.
Why The Split Matters
This was more than a coach player pairing; it was a mentor relationship that shaped Alcaraz’s technique, temperament and competitive instincts, and now the world will watch how a new voice might alter those familiar patterns.
The announcement came a month after Alcaraz finished year end No. 1 and following the ATP Finals, and it surprised many because there was no clear public inflection point or specific incident that precipitated the break.
There were hints of friction shown in a documentary that captured moments of frustration over choices like a post title celebration trip to Ibiza, and Alcaraz had added Samuel Lopez to his coaching box last year to work alongside Ferrero.
What Comes Next For Both
Ferrero’s own social post suggested he did not want the relationship to end, and he wrote he wished he could have continued, leaving an impression the split was not entirely one sided and that emotions remain raw on both sides.
For Alcaraz the immediate calendar includes a bid to become the youngest man to complete a career Grand Slam at the Australian Open, and any coaching change will be measured against that high bar of expectation and the results that followed from seven years together.
Rivals will be watching closely. Jannik Sinner’s recent meetings with Alcaraz and the end of the season final are a reminder that the margin for error at the top is thin and that coaching stability can be as big a factor as raw talent.
The split closes a celebrated chapter filled with dramatic finals, emotional embraces and defining moments, but Ferrero himself said he is convinced that good memories and good people always find a way to cross paths again, suggesting future reunions remain possible.
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Christoph Friedrich is a German tennis player and coach currently residing in Oakland, California. He began his tennis journey at the age of eight and has since dedicated his life to the sport. After working as a tennis coach and hitting partner in New York City for eight years, Christoph decided to share his knowledge and experience with tennis players around the world by creating the My Tennis Expert blog. His goal is to make tennis education accessible to everyone and help players select the best equipment for their game, from racquets and strings to shoes and overgrips. Christoph's extensive research and expertise in tennis technology make him a valuable resource for players of all levels.
