Carlos Alcaraz was spotted offering an apology to waiting journalists after choosing not to stop and address questions about his split with longtime coach Juan Carlos Ferrero, a moment that captured the emotional weight of one of the most surprising coaching breakups in recent tennis history.
With his hands folded, the Spanish star acknowledged the press gathered outside his training base while making it clear he was not ready to speak publicly about the end of a partnership that helped shape his rise to the top of the sport.
Carlos Alcaraz Offers Apology to Reporters in First Appearance Since Split With Juan Carlos Ferrero
The split between Alcaraz and Ferrero has sent shockwaves through the tennis world, primarily because of how deeply intertwined their careers had become over the past seven years. Alcaraz joined Ferrero’s academy in 2018 as a 15-year-old with promise but little experience at the professional level.
The day after the announcement, media attention descended on El Palmar, home to Alcaraz’s training base, as journalists sought clarity on the decision. Unlike his usual openness, Alcaraz barred media access to his preseason practice session, signaling he was not ready to discuss the split publicly.
When he arrived by car and passed through the entryway without stopping, reporters attempted to call out questions. Alcaraz did not engage verbally, but he paused long enough to fold his hands and offer an apologetic gesture toward those waiting.
📹 Imagen ElDesmarque
Carlos Alcaraz pide perdón a la prensa por no pararse a responder las preguntas sobre su ruptura con Juan Carlos Ferrero.
🔗 https://t.co/spmoqc6rYR 🔗 pic.twitter.com/eX8gxa43Vz
— ElDesmarque (@eldesmarque) December 18, 2025
What Did Alcaraz Achieve Under Ferrero’s Guidance?
Under Ferrero’s guidance, Alcaraz progressed steadily through Futures and Challenger tournaments before announcing himself on the ATP Tour. By 2021, he had already won his first ATP title, reached the US Open quarterfinals, and lifted the Next Gen ATP Finals trophy, signaling the arrival of a generational talent shaped by Ferrero’s mentorship.
MORE: What Did Carlos Alcaraz and Terminated Coach Juan Carlos Ferrero Do Together? All To Know
That upward trajectory only accelerated. In 2022, Alcaraz captured the US Open title and became the youngest world No. 1 in men’s tennis history, a season that earned Ferrero Coach of the Year recognition. The partnership continued to flourish with a Wimbledon title in 2023 and a French Open crown in 2024.
Over the course of their collaboration, Alcaraz built a staggering résumé that included six Grand Slam titles, eight Masters 1000 trophies, and multiple stints at the top of the ATP rankings. Alcaraz announced the split on Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025, confirming that he and Ferrero had mutually decided to part ways.
