Carlos Alcaraz’s former coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero, breaks his silence on the end of one of modern tennis’ most successful partnerships, revealing that principles and contract terms, not results, ultimately led to his split with the Spaniard. The former World No. 1 and Grand Slam champion confirmed that his departure from Alcaraz’s team stemmed from dissatisfaction with a proposed new agreement, explaining that certain conditions conflicted with his personal values.
How Did Principles and Contract Clauses Push the Juan Carlos Ferrero-Carlos Alcaraz Partnership to an End?
Ferrero addressed the breakup in a candid interview with Javier de Diego on Spanish National Radio, emphasizing that the decision had nothing to do with on-court outcomes or personal conflict. He said the proposed renewal did not align with his principles. “The new contract was sent to me, I did not agree with certain things, I made it known, and an agreement was not reached,” Ferrero explained.
He added that the timing caught him off guard, noting that after returning from Bologna, he had not anticipated a separation based on the season’s results. Ferrero was clear that there were no internal disputes, saying, “We did not have any fights throughout the year, neither with him nor with the entourage.”
He also reflected on the imbalance he felt in earlier agreements, stating, “There weren’t many clauses in my favor in the previous contract.” Ultimately, Ferrero framed the decision as a matter of self-respect rather than a matter of negotiation tactics. “I am true to my values, and there were certain things that I couldn’t accept because of who I am, and I am satisfied with that part,” he said, before concluding, “Each of us has our ways, and when this happens, one must accept it.”
Alcaraz confirmed on Dec. 17 that the split was mutual, with the broader coaching structure remaining essentially unchanged, as Ferrero’s longtime associate, Samuel López, continued to handle day-to-day duties.
The relationship between Alcaraz and Ferrero dates back to 2018, when the former joined Ferrero’s academy as a teenager. Over the course of seven years, the duo built one of the defining partnerships of the era. Ferrero oversaw Alcaraz’s steady rise through Futures and Challenger events before his breakout on the ATP Tour. By 2021, Alcaraz had claimed his first tour title in Umag, reached the US Open quarterfinals, and lifted the Next Gen ATP Finals trophy.
What followed was a rapid ascent that reshaped the men’s game, including the 2022 US Open title that made Alcaraz the youngest World No. 1 in history, a Wimbledon crown in 2023, and the 2024 French Open. The résumé under Ferrero included six Grand Slam titles, eight Masters 1000 trophies, and repeated stints at the top of the rankings, making the eventual split all the more surprising.
