Carlos Alcaraz finally addressed the Juan Carlos Ferrero split while preparing for another deep run at the Australian Open, offering insight into a decision that caught much of the tennis world off guard.
After seven seasons together, the partnership that helped shape one of the sport’s brightest stars quietly came to an end last month, prompting questions about timing, motivation and what comes next.
Speaking in Melbourne, Alcaraz was quick to strike a respectful tone, emphasizing that the separation was mutual and rooted in alignment rather than disagreement.
“I’m very grateful for the work he did with me,” Alcaraz said. “Right now I’m very happy with the team I’ve built. We both decided to end our partnership.”
The Spaniard’s words close a chapter that delivered extraordinary success. Under Ferrero, a former world No. 1 and 2003 French Open champion, Alcaraz evolved from a promising teenager into a dominant force on tour.
He collected six Grand Slam titles, eight Masters 1000 trophies and twice finished a season ranked No. 1, becoming the youngest player in history to reach the top spot.
Ferrero was twice named ATP Coach of the Year during their run, a reflection of how closely the pair were linked.
Their relationship extended well beyond the practice court. Alcaraz once referred to Ferrero as a second father, making the announcement of the split particularly surprising.
While rumors circulated about potential replacements and even speculative links to Roger Federer, Alcaraz has been careful to keep the focus on continuity and gratitude rather than conjecture.
Chasing unfinished business in Melbourne?
The timing of the split adds another layer of intrigue as Alcaraz enters the Australian Open chasing a Career Grand Slam.
A title in Melbourne would make him just the ninth man in history to complete the set and comfortably the youngest of the Open Era to do so.
Ironically, Australia has been the least productive major of his career. He has never advanced beyond the quarterfinals, falling at that stage in each of the past two seasons.
Still, Alcaraz arrives as one of the clear favorites alongside rival Jannik Sinner, the two time defending champion who is pursuing his own slice of history later this season.
Alcaraz has also spent the offseason refining his game, most notably adjusting his service motion. Observers noted similarities to Novak Djokovic‘s mechanics, something the world No. 1 addressed with a smile.
“I just slightly changed the motion and I feel more comfortable this way,” Alcaraz said. “It’s more fluid and more relaxed. I didn’t think about copying Djokovic, but I can see the similarities.”
That blend of openness and confidence reflects a player comfortable with evolution, even after parting ways with the coach who guided his rise.
Alcaraz has also leaned into the narrative surrounding the Career Grand Slam chase, joking that he would “trade” an Australian Open title with Sinner for a future Roland Garros crown, a comment that underscored how aware both players are of the historical stakes.
For Alcaraz, the Ferrero era delivered foundations that remain firmly intact. The next phase, shaped by a new team and fresh perspective, now unfolds under the brightest spotlight tennis can offer.
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