By Richard Pagliaro | Wednesday, December 17, 2025Photo credit: Matthew Calvis
The seismic split of Carlos Alcaraz from coach Juan Carlos Ferrero rocked Ferrero himself.
In an Instagram post a couple of hours after Alcaraz announced their split, former world No. 1 Ferrero candidly conceded he did not want to part from current world No. 1 Alcaraz.
“I wish I could have continued,” Ferrero posted on Instagram.
The surprising end of this pairing comes days after Ferrero was named ATP Coach of the Year for the second time in the last four years.
“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.”
During their enormously successful seven-plus year partnership, Ferrero coached Alcaraz from ultra-talented teenager to world No. 1.
The 22-year-old Alcaraz won 24 titles, including 6 Grand Slam championships, rose to world No. 1 and earned more than $57 Million in prize money alone working with former world No. 1 Ferrero.
“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.”
Samuel Lopez, Ferrero’s former coach, who officially joined Alcaraz’s team as a coach last December is expected to take over as the reigning US Open champion’s head coach now.
