The tennis world was stunned on Wednesday by the sudden announcement that world No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz and his longtime coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero, are parting ways. This decision brings a surprising end to one of the most prolific partnerships in modern tennis history. After seven transformative years that saw Alcaraz become a six-time Grand Slam champion, the Spanish duo confirmed they will begin the 2026 season on separate paths.
Juan Carlos Ferrero’s Candid Admission after Split from Carlos Alcaraz
Alcaraz broke the news on Instagram with a nostalgic tribute, thanking Ferrero for “making a child’s dreams a reality.” He emphasized that while their professional journey concludes, they separate “from the top,” a pinnacle they always aspired to reach. The post featured emotional images of their shared triumphs, highlighting a bond extending beyond the court.
Ferrero responded with equal emotion but revealed a poignant detail in his statement. He wrote, “Thank you, Carlos, for your trust, your effort, and for making me feel so special through your approach to competing. I wish you all the best, both professionally and personally.”
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He thanked the entire team for the result they had “despite the difficulties” and wrote, “Thank you also to the entire team for making my work easier throughout all these years. With you, I’ve learned that work isn’t just about tasks or results, but about the people who walk alongside you.”
While thanking Alcaraz for making him feel “so special” through his competitive spirit, Ferrero admitted, “I would have liked to continue.” He expressed gratitude to the team for walking by his side and remained optimistic about the future, stating, “I am convinced that good memories and good people always find a way to cross paths again.”
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His candid words suggest that while the split is amicable, the desire to extend their historic collaboration was still present for the veteran coach.
A Historic Seven-Year Partnership
The Alcaraz-Ferrero alliance formally began in September 2018, when Alcaraz was just 15 years old. Ferrero, a former world No. 1 himself, identified the young Spaniard’s potential and committed to molding him into a global superstar. Their professional relationship quickly became the gold standard in men’s tennis, defined by rapid ascents and broken records.
Under Ferrero’s mentorship, Alcaraz became the youngest World No. 1 in ATP history following his maiden US Open victory in 2022. Their synergy produced a staggering six Grand Slam titles by December 2025, including back-to-back Wimbledon crowns (2023, 2024), two French Open titles (2024, 2025), and two US Open trophies (2022, 2025).
Beyond the trophies, Ferrero played a crucial role in developing Alcaraz’s mental fortitude and versatile gameplay. This split marks the definitive end of the foundation phase of Alcaraz’s career, leaving an indelible mark on the sport’s history as they move in different directions.
