Todd Woodbridge does not look kindly on the separation between Carlos Alcaraz and Juan Carlos Ferrero, who broke his silence in MARCA. The former Australian tennis player, a doubles legend with dozens of Grand Slam titles, was particularly critical of the change of direction of the player from El Palmar.
“I think it’s going to be very difficult for Carlos to win a major next year. We know he’s good enough. But that change, at this stage of his career, is mind-blowing to me,” he said in comments on the Australian Open YouTube podcast.
Woodbridge went further, calling the breakup a step backwards after years of one of the strongest partnerships on the circuit. “We’re talking about one of the best player-coach duos our sport has ever seen,” insisted the Australian, surprised by the circumstances that would have caused the farewell. “From the reports going around, it seems that it wasn’t an affair between the two of them, but between outside sources and negotiations. And if we’re talking about a little bit of money here or scheduling there, get it right, get it all organised and continue this amazing career,” he remarked.
The former doubles player stressed the importance of Ferrero in the critical moments of matches. Since coaching is allowed, the words of the Ontinyent coach served as a compass for his pupil. “When Juan Carlos has not been around in the last few years, Alcaraz does not play as well. You can see him looking into the stands, a little unsure of himself, and it will take him months to settle down,” he said.
Looking to the future
Woodbridge also pointed to the main beneficiary of this break: Jannik Sinner. “Meanwhile, it could give others the chance to get some wins. With that change, I think Jannik has the edge and will get the three-peat,” predicted the Australian.
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