Alex Corretja Thinks Carlos Alcaraz Will ‘Miss’ Coach Juan Carlos Ferrero ‘Badly’ After Unexpected Split: “Sad for Tennis”

Carlos Alcaraz reached the No.1 ranking and lifted his six Grand Slam titles under Juan Carlos Ferrero.

Alex Corretja Thinks Carlos Alcaraz Will ‘Miss’ Coach Juan Carlos Ferrero ‘Badly’ After Unexpected Split: “Sad for Tennis”

Juan Carlos Ferrero, Carlos Alcaraz, Alex Corretja (Image via X/L'Equipe, OLVI)

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Former Alex Corretja, just like the whole tennis community, is finding it hard to process that Carlos Alcaraz will no longer work with coach Juan Carlos Ferrero. On Wednesday (December 17), Alcaraz took to his Instagram and wrote a long message, announcing that he has parted ways with Ferrero.

Ferrero, the winner of the 2003 French Open and a former World No.1, called time on his career in 2012. About seven years later, he joined a then-15-year-old Alcaraz’s team.

Alcaraz matured in his tennis career while working with the 45-year-old. Under the Spanish coach, the 22-year-old became the youngest man to reach the No.1 ranking and took home six Grand Slams. Alcaraz, in fact, won all his 24 tour-level titles under Ferrero’s tutelage.

I feel like they had been achieving amazing goals, but, of course, they still had so many to achieve. I am very sad. I think it’s very sad for them both. It’s sad for tennis in general. The combo of Alcaraz-Ferraro, Ferrero-Alcaraz, was great, it was nice for everyone. They are both polite, they are both nice guys. It was a nice combination. I think it’s not good for either of them.

Alex Corretja told TNT Sports

Ferrero also put out a statement on social media. He expressed his wish to continue the partnership.

I think Carlitos will need to adjust to that. He’s been with Juan for the last seven years, since he was getting mature in his tennis career. He’s going to miss him badly, and I think it might make him grow quite a lot in the next weeks and months.

Alex Corretja added

Alcaraz’s childhood coach, Kick Navarro, during his interview with RNE Deportes, said he doesn’t think it was the youngster’s decision to end the partnership. He thinks the decision was made by the other members of the Alcaraz team.

Coach Samuel Lopez, who joined Alcaraz’s team in December 2024, will continue to be a part of the team. Next major event is the 2026 Australian Open, where the six-time Grand Slam champion has yet to progress beyond the quarterfinals, losing to 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic in the last eight this year.

Alex Corretja says Carlos Alcaraz has shown he’s practically unbeatable

Carlos Alcaraz finished the 2025 season with eight titles from 11 finals – the most on the men’s tour. One of the trophies was his second consecutive Roland Garros title, which he won by defeating Jannik Sinner in what was also his first Grand Slam final against his arch-rival.

Carlos Alcaraz (2)
Carlos Alcaraz (Image via X/Carlos Alcaraz 4K)

Alcaraz overcame a two-set deficit before saving three championship points in the fourth set to defend his crown. Former player and Alcaraz’s compatriot Alex Corretja said this match perfectly summed up that when Alcaraz plays to his full potential and has mental and emotional stability, he becomes invincible.

This year has been exciting because both Alcaraz and Sinner have raised their tennis game even higher. I think Carlos has shown that when he is fit and mentally, emotionally, and, above all, physically stable, he is practically unbeatable.

Alex Corretja told TNT Sports

Alcaraz next lost the Wimbledon final to the four-time Grand Slam champion but stopped Sinner from defending the US Open title. They last met in the title clash of the ATP Finals, where Sinner defended his crown with a straight-set win.

Alcaraz and Sinner will meet next year before the Australian Open. They have signed up for an exhibition event in Incheon, South Korea. The 2026 Australian Open starts on January 18. Sinner will be aiming for a three-peat, while Alcaraz will be bidding to complete the Career Grand Slam.

Also read: Iga Swiatek ‘Super Proud’ of Her Achievements After ‘Challenging’ 2025 Season