Carlos Alcaraz coach split has been confirmed by the world No. 1, marking the end of a remarkable seven-year partnership with longtime mentor Juan Carlos Ferrero that helped shape one of the most successful young careers in tennis history.
The announcement, made on social media and confirmed by multiple outlets, signals a major shift in the sport as Alcaraz prepares for new challenges ahead on the ATP Tour.
Carlos Alcaraz Coach Split: The End of a Historic Partnership
On December 17, 2025, the news of Carlos Alcaraz coach split hit the headlines. The 22-year-old Spaniard wrote an emotional message on his social media handles thanking Ferrero for helping him go from a promising junior to a dominant player in men’s tennis.
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Alcaraz started training with Ferrero when he was just 15 years old. Ferrero was a former world No. 1 and the 2003 French Open champion. He helped Alcaraz become a versatile all-court player and one of the most exciting names in the sport.
During their seven years together, Alcaraz won six Grand Slam titles, 24 tour-level trophies, and eight Masters 1000 titles. He won the US Open and Roland Garros in 2025.
Alcaraz wrote: “After more than seven years together, Juanki and I have decided to bring our chapter 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. And I’ve enjoyed every step of it so much with you.”
Carlos Alcaraz coach split has gotten a lot of attention around the world, not just because of what it means for the Spaniard’s future, but also because it changes the story of how elite players work with their long-time coaches.
The Alcaraz-Ferrero Partnership’s Legacy
Carlos Alcaraz coach split ends one of the most important athlete-coach partnerships in recent history. Ferrero has been with Alcaraz since he was a teenager, and now the Spaniard is one of the best players in the world. Together, they rewrote parts of tennis history: Alcaraz became the youngest player to reach the world No. 1 ranking when he won the US Open in 2022 at just 19 … a feat that would likely not have been possible without Ferrero’s guidance.
They won multiple titles on clay, grass, and hard courts, which cemented Alcaraz’s reputation as one of the best all-around tennis players. Recently, Ferrero and co-coach Samuel López were named ATP Coaches of the Year for their work with Alcaraz. This was another sign of how well they worked together.
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Sports commentators have said that the two of them had a strong chemistry based on trust and complementary strengths, which is a big reason why Alcaraz has risen so quickly and stayed so good.
Reactions to the News
News of the Carlos Alcaraz coach split immediately sparked reaction from across the tennis world. Fans filled social media with tributes to the partnership, many remembering the early days when a young Alcaraz left the Ferrero Academy with a lot of talent.
Former players and analysts praised Ferrero for helping Alcaraz grow up mentally and strategically. Some said that Alcaraz’s talent was clear from a young age, but Ferrero’s patience and tactical insight helped him turn that talent into championship-winning performances on the biggest stages.
Ferrero talked about how he felt about the breakup, saying it was “a difficult day” and stressing how close they had become over the course of more than five years. He also said that even though things change in sports, the memories and accomplishments they share will always be important.
“I wish I could have continued,” said Ferrero, who once described Alcaraz as his “fourth child”. I am convinced that good memories and good people always find a way to cross paths again.” BBC Sport quotes Ferrero.
Why the Split Happened
There are many reports that say a mix of professional and personal reasons may have led to the Carlos Alcaraz coach split, but the exact reasons have not been made public. Alcaraz’s words suggested that there was no specific conflict, but rather a natural progression toward new challenges and mutual respect.
Some sources close to the team point to differing philosophies and evolving demands as the partnership matured. As Alcaraz gets ready for the 2026 season, it looks like both his training needs and personal goals have grown, which made him rethink who should be his coach.
Meanwhile, other insiders say that long-term partnerships often reach natural turning points, whether it’s because of different work styles, life outside of work, or just a need for a new point of view. No matter what the exact reason was, it looks like the decision was made with professionalism and mutual gratitude.
Effects on Alcaraz’s career and plans for the future
Coming at the end of a season in which Alcaraz finished as world No. 1 and secured major titles, the Carlos Alcaraz coach split comes at a pivotal time. A lot of people are watching closely to see how he changes his coaching setup as the 2026 Australian Open approaches. This is the only Grand Slam he hasn’t won yet.
Alcaraz has not yet revealed who will take over as his head coach, but Samuel López, who has worked alongside Ferrero and is familiar with Alcaraz’s game, is widely expected to play a prominent role.
Some think that this change could affect Alcaraz’s training as he tries to win a Grand Slam in his career. Others say that his basic training and experience, most of which was shaped by Ferrero, will continue to shape his decisions and how he plays on the court.
Tennis World Reflects on a Defining Era
The announcement of the Carlos Alcaraz coach split has prompted reflections on some of their most iconic matches and achievements. There have been many memorable moments during their time together, from exciting Grand Slam finals to amazing comebacks and displays of tactical brilliance.
Analysts have noted that period as one of the most explosive in men’s tennis history, with Alcaraz’s aggressive baseline play and Ferrero’s seasoned strategy creating a dynamic that continually challenged the sport’s elite.
The era also showed how the role of coaching in tennis has changed over time. Long-term partnerships can have a big impact on a player’s growth, both technically and mentally and strategically. The split shows that even the best partnerships have to change over time, especially in a sport as demanding as professional tennis.
What Comes Next for Ferrero
For Ferrero, the Carlos Alcaraz coach split does not mark the end of his involvement in tennis. He is well-known and respected as both a coach and a former champion. He has talked about how proud he is of Alcaraz’s achievements and how special their time together was.
Ferrero has said he wants to keep coaching at some level, but he hasn’t said what his plans are for the future. Some speculate that he may take time off before considering new opportunities, while others suggest a potential return to coaching rising talents or even expanding his academy work.
No matter what path Ferrero takes, his impact on one of the sport’s brightest stars will always be a big part of his legacy.
A New Chapter Begins
People in the tennis world are already looking ahead to what will happen next for Carlos Alcaraz and Juan Carlos Ferrero after their coach split. Alcaraz is excited about what the next chapter of his coaching career will bring as he tries to win the Australian Open and solidify his place among the greats.
For a lot of fans, this moment is also a reminder that sports don’t last forever and that you have to be able to change. The split ends one era, but it also opens the door to new strategies, ideas, and the next stage of a career that is still very much in motion.
The Carlos Alcaraz coach split isn’t just about leaving something behind; it’s also about starting something new. The journey goes on, and tennis fans all over the world will be watching closely as the next chapter unfolds.
