By Richard Pagliaro | Wednesday, December 17, 2025Photo credit: Sandra Ruhaut/Icon Sport/Getty
A tremendous tennis trip is over for Carlos Alcaraz and coach Juan Carlos Ferrero.
World No. 1 Alcaraz announced the end of his partnership with coach and former world No. 1 Juan Carlos Ferrero in an Instagram post today.
It’s a seismic split ending Alcaraz’s seven-year partnership with Ferrero just days after the former French Open champion Ferrero was named Coach of the Year for the second time in the past four years.
“It’s very difficult for me to write this post… After more than seven years together, Juanki and I have decided to end our time together as coach and player,” Alcaraz said. “Thank you for making my childhood dreams a reality. We started this journey when I was just a kid, and throughout this time you’ve accompanied me on an incredible journey, both on and off the court. And I’ve enjoyed every single step with you immensely.
“We managed to reach the top, and I feel that if our paths in sports had to diverge, it should be from there, from the place we always worked towards and always aspired to reach.”
Together, Alcaraz and Ferrero won 24 titles, including six Grand Slam championships. Alcaraz registered his most successful season in 2025, capturing eight championships, including Roland Garros and the US Open. Working with Ferrero, Alcaraz earned more than $57 Million in prize money and established a well-earned reputation as one of the most exciting champions in Open Era history.
In a social media post after Alcaraz’s announcement, Ferrero made it clear the split was not his decision. Ferrero said: “I wish I could have continued.”
“Today is a difficult day. One of those when it’s hard to find the right words,” Ferrero posted on Instagram. “Saying goodbye is never easy, especially when there are so many shared experiences behind it.”
The split comes a month before Alcaraz will play for a maiden Australian Open and to become the youngest man in Open Era history to complete the career Grand Slam.
The 45-year-old Ferrero thanked Alcaraz for their time together, while expressing regret the partnership has ended.
“We have been an incredible team despite the difficulties, and I am sure you will continue to achieve great success,” Ferrero posted on Instagram. “I wish I could have continued. I am convinced that good memories and good people always find a way to cross paths again.
“Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
So what’s the root cause of the split?
Why would Alcaraz dissolve one of the most successful pairings in the sport just one month after completing his best season and a month before the start of the Australian Open?
It does not appear to be over financial differences.
It’s possible Alcaraz wants to exert more control over his career.
It’s also possible after seven years together, Alcaraz just wanted to hear a different voice, though in retaining Samuel Lopez, Ferrero’s former coach, you can argue Alcaraz maintains the Ferrero methodology.
There are some reports Ferrero was not on board with Alcaraz playing lucrative exhibition events each December rather than rest and recover for the coming season.
Still, others say Alcaraz was beginning to feel restrained by his long-term coach, wanted more control over his career and wanted to have more fun.
“So many memories come to mind that choosing just one wouldn’t be fair. You’ve helped me grow as an athlete, but above all, as a person,” Alcaraz said. “And something I value immensely: I’ve enjoyed the process. That’s what I’ll cherish, the journey we’ve shared.
“Now, times of change are ahead for both of us, new adventures and new projects. But I’m certain that we will face them in the right way, giving our best, as we always have. Always contributing positively.
“I sincerely wish you all the best in everything that comes your way. I have the peace of mind knowing that we left nothing unsaid, that we gave everything we had to each other. Thank you for everything, Juanki!”
The 22-year-old Alcaraz will continue to work with Coach Samuel Lopez, Ferrero’s former coach, who joined the team at the end of the 2024 season.
