Carlos Alcaraz Finally Breaks Silence About Split with Coach Juan Carlos Fererro: “It Had to End”

Carlos Alcaraz is gearing up for the 2026 Australian Open, the main draw of which is set to begin on Sunday (January 18). As expected, Alcaraz was asked questions about his unexpected split with coach Juan Carlos Ferrero last December in the pre-tournament press conference.

Ferrero and Alcaraz parted ways after the former disagreed with certain aspects of the new contract. The 22-year-old said that in spite of the breakup, the two have remained friends.

It’s a chapter of life that had to end. I learned a lot. Probably thanks to him, I’m the player that I am right now. I’m really grateful for these seven years… We closed this chapter mutually. We are still friends, we have a good relationship, but we just decided like this.

Carlos Alcaraz said

But Ferrero said a different story during his interview with Marca a few days after the split. The 45-year-old admitted on his Instagram post that he “would have liked to continue” and said he was “hurt” after leaving the youngster’s entourage.

As per some reports, Ferrero had to wait for weeks for the new contract, and when it arrived, he had been given just 48 hours to accept or reject it. Alcaraz, like Ferrero, was not explicit about what happened behind closed doors.

It was something internal (with the team). Something between us. And it was a decision we made. Being such a professional team, there isn’t a single move that we don’t put on the table together. So it was something internal that we ultimately decided this way.

Carlos Alcaraz added

Alcaraz worked with Ferrero at his academy in Alicante in 2018 before officially hiring the 2003 French Open champion as his coach the following year. Under the guidance of the former World No.1, the current World No.1 reached the top of the rankings and won all of his 24 tour-level titles, including the six Grand Slam trophies. Alcaraz also made the championship match of last year’s ATP Finals, but failed to go past arch-rival Jannik Sinner, who defended his crown in straight sets.

Carlos Alcaraz talks about the pre-season changes as compared to previous years

In the absence of Juan Carlos Ferrero, Carlos Alcaraz will be working with coach Samuel Lopez, who joined his team in December 2024. During the press conference, the reigning French Open and US Open champion was asked whether there had been any changes prior to arriving in Melbourne.

Everything is pretty much the same. I have the same team that I had last year, just one member missing. We didn’t change any routine at all. Obviously, the head coach has changed, and everyone has their own thoughts and way of working. I’ve been working with Samu for a full year. Whether he’s second coach or first doesn’t change the way he contributes his opinions and ideas, or his method of work. I know it very well.

Carlos Alcaraz said at the press conference

Alcaraz’s major goal in the Grand Slam event Down Under will be to become the youngest man in the Open Era to complete the Career Grand Slam by surpassing his idol, Rafael Nadal, who achieved this feat at the age of 24 after winning the 2010 US Open. The Murcia native is a two-time quarterfinalist in the tournament, reaching the stage on two occasions, in 2024 (lost to Alexander Zverev) and 2025 (lost to Novak Djokovic).

The draw for the event is out, and Alcaraz will be starting his campaign on Sunday (January 18) against Adam Walton. Alcaraz faced the Aussie for the first time at the 2025 Queen’s Club Championships.

Also read: Kim Clijsters Explains How Coco Gauff is Putting Iga Swiatek ‘Out of Balance’ After Latest Defeat