Carlos Alcaraz discusses Ferrero split and the likelihood of hiring a new coach
NewsFriday, 16 January 2026 at 22:45
Carlos Alcaraz has opened up about his shocking split from Juan Carlos Ferrero and whether he intends to appoint a replacement for him.
Alcaraz's bond with Ferrero, who became his coach and mentor in 2019, was among the closest in tennis. He spoke several times in the last few years about the 2003 French Open champion's influence on him.
That meant tennis fans worldwide were taken aback by last month's news of Ferrero's departure. Although the 45-year-old has given interviews since, and there have been rumors of a fallout with Alcaraz's family, the precise reasons for the development remain uncertain.
In a recent media appearance, Mats Wilander argued that Roger Federer would be the perfect coach for Alcaraz, but the Swiss tennis legend responded that he currently has no interest in getting into coaching.
Alcaraz spoke about Ferrero's departure and the possibility of hiring someone new in a pre-tournament Australian Open press conference. The six-time Grand Slam champion said it was a mutual split from Ferrero, but his use of "we" implied that his family and others were involved in the decision.
"With Juan Carlos, we decide to do it. I'm just having plenty of confidence in the team that I have right now. The practices have gone really well. I'm just feeling well. So I'm just excited about the tournament to begin with the team that I have right now."
"I've got to say that I'm really grateful for this seven years I've been with Juan Carlos. I learned a lot. Probably thanks to him I'm the player that I am right now. But internally, we decided like this. We closed this chapter in mutual [ways]. We both are still friends, good relationship."
While there is no reason to doubt Alcaraz's words about retaining a positive relationship with Ferrero, it feels like there might be more to the split behind the scenes that could come to light at a later date.
Alcaraz reminded reporters that his other team members remain the same, including Samuel Lopez, who coached him without Ferrero at a few tournaments last year, which has allowed him to retain the same routines.
"I have the same team that I had last year. Just one member missing. So we didn't change the routine at all. We just going through the preseason and the season in the same way, probably with the improvement that I really want to do."
Carlos Alcaraz outlined what technical adjustments he focused on during the off-season
Despite being considered by many the most complete 22-year-old in tennis history, that does not mean there are no areas for Carlos Alcaraz to improve. He has admitted that in previous media appearances.
During a pre-tournament press conference at the 2026 Australian Open, Alcaraz named two specific things he worked on in the off-season and said he knows that small details can make the difference against the best players.
"We worked a lot on trying to make the transition to the net. The serve we change a couple of things. But all small details. When you are at the top level, there are the small details that make the difference. But I would say the first matches you try to get used to the match feeling again, and then after you try to add something. We'll see how things go."
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