Carlos Alcaraz shockingly announces split from coach Juan Carlos Ferrero

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Wednesday, 17 December 2025 at 13:15
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Carlos Alcaraz shocked everyone on Wednesday, December 17th, 2025, by announcing a split from his coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero.
Alcaraz shocked the tennis world with one of the most unexpected decisions ahead of the 2026 season. The 22-year-old announced that he would stop working with coach Juan Carlos Ferrero after more than seven years together.
Ferrero was Alcaraz's mentor practically from the start of his tennis career. The two started working together when the six-time major winner was still a teenager, and they enjoyed great success.
All of Alcaraz's professional success came under Ferrero. The young Spaniard spent 50 weeks as the world No. 1 player, lifted six Grand Slam trophies, 24 titles overall, out of which eight were ATP Masters 1000 titles, eight ATP 500, and another two at the ATP 250 category.
But every story comes to an end, and that applies also to the story of Ferrero and Alcaraz, even though Ferrero and Alcaraz's other coach, Samuel Lopez, won the 2025 ATP Coach of the Year award less than a week ago. Lopez will now continue as Alcaraz's sole coach.
Alcaraz announced the split in an emotional social media post, remembering their journey and thanking Ferrero for everything he's done for him.
"It’s very difficult for me to write this post… After more than seven years together, Juanki and I have decided to bring our time together as coach and player to an end. Thank you for turning childhood dreams into reality."
"We started this journey when I was barely a kid, and throughout all this time you’ve accompanied me on an incredible journey, on and off the court. I’ve enjoyed every single step with you immensely. We managed to reach the top, and I feel that if our sporting paths had to separate, it had to be from up there. From the place we always worked for and always aspired to reach."
"So many memories come to mind that choosing just one wouldn’t be fair. You helped me grow as an athlete, but above all as a person. And something I value immensely: I’ve enjoyed the process. That’s what I take with me — the journey we shared."
"Now, times of change are coming for both of us, new adventures and new projects. But I’m certain we’ll face them in the right way, giving the best of ourselves, as we always have. Always adding. I wish you all the best from the bottom of my heart in everything that lies ahead."
"I’m left with the peace of mind of knowing we gave everything we had, that we held nothing back from one another. Thank you for everything, Juanki!"
Ferrero also posted a statement on his Instagram profile. He, too, thanked Alcaraz, but also included a part that raised some questions. The 45-year-old coach said he "wished he could have continued."
Fans interpreted that in two different ways. Either Alcaraz made the decision to end the partnership, or personal circumstances prevented Ferrero from continuing. The Spanish coach has spent less time around Alcaraz in recent years, missing some tournaments, which is one of the reasons Lopez joined the team.
"Today is a difficult day. One of those when it’s hard to find the right words. Saying goodbye is never easy, especially when there are so many shared experiences behind it. We have worked hard, grown together, and shared unforgettable moments. I want to thank you for the time, the trust, the learning, and above all, for the people who have surrounded me throughout this journey."
"I take with me laughter, challenges overcome, conversations, support during difficult moments, and the satisfaction of having been part of something truly unique. Today, a very important chapter of my life comes to an end. I close it with nostalgia, but also with pride and excitement for what may come next. I know that everything I have lived has prepared me to be better."
"Thank you, Carlos, for the trust, the effort, and for making your way of competing make me feel so special. I wish you all the best, both professionally and personally. I would also like to thank the entire team for making my work easier throughout all these years. With you, I have learned that work is not just about tasks or results, but about the people who walk alongside you."
"Each and every one of you has left a mark on me that I will never forget. We have been an incredible team despite the difficulties, and I am sure you will continue to achieve great success. 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."
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