Toni Nadal Calls Carlos Alcaraz’s Team’s Rushed Contract Negotiation with Juan Carlos Ferrero ‘a Bit Strange’

Carlos Alcaraz will be playing the Australian Open without Juan Carlos Ferrero's guidance as the two have split after a seven-year partnership.

Toni Nadal Calls Carlos Alcaraz’s Team’s Rushed Contract Negotiation with Juan Carlos Ferrero ‘a Bit Strange’

Carlos Alcaraz, Toni Nadal, Juan Carlos Ferrero (Image via X/Jose Moron, SK)

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As per reports, the reason behind the Juan Carlos Ferrero–Carlos Alcaraz split was failed contract negotiations. Ferrero was given just a 48-hour deadline to accept or reject it.

The 2003 French Open champion did not agree with certain parts of the contract, and this ended his seven-year partnership with the 22-year-old. Ferrero, a former World No.1, retired in 2012 and started to work with Alcaraz in 2018 when the latter was just 15.

The following year, Alcaraz hired Ferrero as his head coach. Under Ferrero, the Murcia native became a Grand Slam champion for the first time at the 2022 US Open, following which, he became the World No.1, the youngest man to reach the top of the rankings table in the Open Era.

In the aftermath of the breakup, many theories have emerged about the possible reasons behind the split. Rafael Nadal‘s uncle and former coach, Toni Nadal, also heard that the failed contract deal led to the separation. During his interview with CLAY, Nadal gave his opinion regarding the same.

I understand that nothing is done without Carlos’ approval, of course… I’ve been told that they’ve offered him a contract and that he has to respond within 48 hours. It’s a bit strange to be rushed into making those decisions after a seven-year relationship.

Toni Nadal said

Nadal also understands the player-coach relationship, given that he himself was in the entourage of Rafael since his childhood until 2017, guiding his nephew to 16 of his 22 Grand Slam titles.

The difference is very clear; normally, coaches, due to their age, are the ones who decide. In the case of tennis, the coach accompanies the player to where they want to go. And it’s difficult; there comes a point where it’s hard to balance things.

Toni Nadal added

Ferrero did not accompany Alcaraz to several tournaments this year. To make up for the 45-year-old’s absence, Alcaraz hired Samuel Lopez last December. Lopez is expected to handle the responsibilities of the main coach of the six-time Grand Slam champion.

Toni Nadal says Carlos Alcaraz should feel grateful after receiving coaching from Juan Carlos Ferrero

Toni Nadal is convinced that even though Juan Carlos Ferrero is no longer a part of the team, his influence will continue to remain there. Nadal also thinks that Carlos Alcaraz started to change as he grew older.

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

When Juan Carlos and Alcaraz started, one was 15 years old, and the other was a (former) World No.1. Alcaraz had to be grateful (for being coached by him).

Toni Nadal told CLAY

Earlier this year, Alcaraz’s documentary Carlos Alcaraz: My Way was released on Netflix. Among other things, his relationship with Ferrero became one of the talking points of the tennis community. Alcaraz wanted to enjoy his life outside of tennis, take a few days off, and fly off to places for partying. But Ferrero disapproved of this as he wanted the youngster to focus more on his career.

As the years go by and Carlos becomes a global figure, I suppose they (the Alcaraz family) want to be in control of what happens. Before, Juan Carlos could make decisions on and off the court, but then I suppose the parents, the family, Alcaraz himself, and everyone else wanted to get involved because there’s so much at stake.

Toni Nadal added

The official event where Alcaraz will play next is the Australian Open. But before the first Major of the season, Alcaraz will be in Incheon, South Korea, for an exhibition event where he will lock horns with his arch-rival, Jannik Sinner. Alcaraz will be bidding to complete the Career Grand Slam in the Melbourne Major.

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