Coco Gauff’s Ex-Coach Recommends Two Names to Replace Juan Carlos Ferrero as Carlos Alcaraz’s Coach

Carlos Alcaraz ended his seven-year partnership with Juan Carlos Ferrero recently.

Coco Gauff’s Ex-Coach Recommends Two Names to Replace Juan Carlos Ferrero as Carlos Alcaraz’s Coach

Juan Carlos Ferrero, Carlos Alcaraz (Image via X/Game, Set & Talk)

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Just when the fans thought the tennis off-season was actually going to be quiet, the sport decided to hit them with a plot twist straight out of a telenovela. In a move that has left the tennis world scratching its collective head, World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz has officially parted ways with his longtime coach and mentor, Juan Carlos Ferrero.

Every tennis analyst is still trying to process how a partnership that delivered six Grand Slam titles and eight trophies in the 2025 season alone just ended. Most importantly, it’s now about replacing former Spanish player, and Brad Gilbert has a few names up his sleeve. Gilbert said on X:

I mean, the two thoughts that jump into my head. David Ferrer, the Davis Cup captain of Spain, obviously former great player, good familiarity with Carlos. Maybe he jumps in on an interim, but obviously the name that that really jumps out. An interesting one would be Carlos Moya, who obviously had amazing success with Nadal, but you know, he’s with the Nadal Academy. So who knows about that dynamic. But it will be an interesting few weeks what happens. But absolutely a stunner, what happened this morning.

The first name on Gilbert’s list is David Ferrer. It makes total sense on paper. He’s the current Davis Cup captain for Spain, he’s a former giant of the game, and most importantly, he already has a rapport with Alcaraz. If Alcaraz wants stability and a familiar face to stop the bleeding before Melbourne, Ferrer is the guy. Gilbert suggests he might jump in on an interim basis just to keep the ship steady.

Gilbert also threw out Carlos Moya as a serious contender. For those who don’t know, this is the guy who spent years masterminding Rafael Nadal’s dominance. Moya has the pedigree, obviously. But there’s a catch. He’s currently tied up with the Nadal Academy.

Carlos Alcaraz and Juan Carlos Ferrero: The end of a seven-year bromance

This isn’t just a coaching change; it feels like a bad breakup. Carlos Alcaraz and Juan Carlos Ferrero weren’t just players and coaches; they were the dynamic duo of the ATP Tour. 

Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner (4)
Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner (Image via X/Jannik Sinner HQ)

Ferrero picked Alcaraz out of the crowd when he was just 15 years old and molded him into the absolute weapon he is today. Alcaraz took to Instagram to drop the news, posting a heartfelt tribute that probably had a few fans tearing up. 

But if the fans have read between the lines of Ferrero’s own goodbye note, things get a little spicy. The former World No. 1 hinted pretty heavily that he wished he could have continued in the role. It definitely seems like Alcaraz (or his team) pulled the trigger, leaving Ferrero on the outside looking in.

The tennis insiders, however, have reported that the breaking point occurred while discussing Ferrero’s contract. Moreover, some family members of Alcaraz weren’t willing to continue with the former Roland Garros champion.

What this means for the 2026 Season

The ATP season is weeks away from the first Grand Slam of the 2026 season. Carlos Alcaraz is going into the Australian Open without the man who has been in his corner for his entire professional life.

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

One thing is for sure: all eyes are going to be on Alcaraz’s player box in Melbourne. Whoever is sitting in Ferrero’s old seat better be ready for the spotlight, because taking over the coaching duties for the World No. 1 right now is the ultimate high-risk, high-reward gig.

For now, Samuel Lopez will be in charge of Alcaraz’s training. Lopez has been associated with the six-time Grand Slam champion in the past few years.

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