Andy Roddick Raises Questions About the Timing of Carlos Alcaraz’s split with Juan Carlos Ferrero

Carlos Alcaraz is expected to seek a replacement for Juan Carlos Ferrero following their split.

Andy Roddick Raises Questions About the Timing of Carlos Alcaraz’s split with Juan Carlos Ferrero

Carlos Alcaraz, Juan Carlos Ferrero, Andy Roddick (Image via X/CGTN Sports Scene, Served)

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Carlos Alcaraz’s decision to part ways with Juan Carlos Ferrero came at a surprising time. With the 2026 season just a few days away from kick-off, players often use this period to plan ahead to reach their goals on the court. But Alcaraz will now have to look for a replacement for his coach, who has spent seven years with him.

Alcaraz and Ferrero’s partnership was often seen as perfect from the outside, as they often play with each other during training sessions and off the court. For sure, Alcaraz became a better player under the tutelage of Ferrero on the court, which has seen him rise to become one of the best players of his generation.

In the past four years, Alcaraz has won six Grand Slams and at least one major title since 2022. The World No.1 has produced some startling performances on the court that have been mind-blowing, especially against his arch-rival Jannik Sinner. He defeated Sinner four times this season, including two in Grand Slam finals.

One of the Grand Slam finals was at the US Open, where the Spaniard showed a greater level of skill on the court, overcoming Sinner in every aspect. The 22-year-old was clinical, and Sinner was nowhere near his level. He won the match in four sets and claimed the second US Open of his career and sixth Slam.

However, with Ferrero parting ways with Alcaraz, the Spaniard will now have to chart a new course. Andy Roddick, a former World No.1 touched upon the same in an episode of his Served podcast. Here, the American legend pointed out that the timing of the split between Alcaraz and Ferrero was wrong and that it might affect the French Open champion:

The timing is strange. You normally don’t make a move December 17th. If this was not a reaction to a current event or a current set of circumstances, then you stop in November, after the ATP Finals or even before that, you put something new in place. Saying ‘I wish I could continue’ is a very deliberate statement to me. That’s tough to be misconstrued, and I don’t want to be the person who tries to make something out of nothing.

Alcaraz will hope that the split with Ferrero doesn’t affect his performance at the 2026 Australian Open. The World No.1 has declared his intentions to win the title in January, despite an expected challenge from Sinner. Should Alcaraz win the Melbourne Grand Slam, he will become the youngest male player to complete a Career Grand Slam.

Renowned reporter says Carlos Alcaraz is already looking for a coach to replace Juan Carlos Ferrero

Carlos Alcaraz will now have to seek a replacement for Juan Carlos Ferrero following their split a few days ago. Currently, Samuel Lopez remains the only coach on his team, so he will need another strong voice to give him guidance on tour. There have been rumors that the likes of Rafael Nadal, Carlos Moya, and David Ferrer are considered good replacements for Ferrero.

Juan Carlos Ferrero, Carlos Alcaraz
Juan Carlos Ferrero, Carlos Alcaraz (Image via X/AllAboutHQ)

However, there’s no confirmation about that. Renowned Spanish reporter Angel Garcia revealed on COPE that five to six coaches have offered to manage Alcaraz, albeit with no specific individuals mentioned:

I think a second person will be needed because the season is very long and involves a lot of travel. And perhaps that second person is more well-known than Samu, but that doesn’t mean they’ll be the head coach. I would bet, without having spoken to his father yet, that the head coach will be Samu Lopez.

Alcaraz finished the year as the best player in the men’s circuit, having won eight titles. He claimed two Grand Slams, three ATP Masters 1000 crowns, and three ATP 500 titles. He also won 71 of the 80 matches he played on tour, claiming the highest number of match wins on tour in 2025.

Also Read: Cameron Norrie Disagrees with Carlos Alcaraz on the Tennis Schedule Debate