Carlos Alcaraz’s conquest at the 2026 Australian Open will mark his first without Juan Carlos Ferrero by his side, following their split just last month.
It was the most outstanding news to emerge during the off-season, given just how unexpected it was.
After all, they were coming off the back of another hugely successful season where the Spaniard had won two Grand Slam titles and finished the year ranked world number one.
Alas, the reasons behind Alcaraz and Ferrero’s split remain frustratingly uncertain, with many debating the current version of events being spread.
The player has now emerged to give his thoughts on the groundbreaking decision.
Carlos Alcaraz explains the reasons behind his split with Juan Carlos Ferrero
Speaking to the Australian Open press, it took no time at all for reporters to seek answers to Carlos Alcaraz’s split.
And, when one member of the press admitted he was still confused about the reasons behind the dissolution of their professional relationship, he sought answers.
How would you feel if Juan Carlos Ferrero returned to coach Carlos Alcaraz now?
Alcaraz responded: “Well, it is something we just decide. You know, I think chapter of life that is a time that has to be end. We decided like this.
“I got to say that I’m really grateful for these seven years I’ve been with Juan Carlos. I learned a lot. Probably thanks to him I’m the player that I am right now.
“But internally we decided like this. We closed this chapter in mutual. We, as I said, both are still friends, good relationship. But we just decided like this.”
Then, asked whether this split has seen his preparation change at all, he added: “I mean, there wasn’t any changes at all. We just was really focused on the things that we had to do, the things that we think we should improve coming from this season.
“As I said, I have the same team that I had last year. Just one member missing. But the rest of the team, everyone are the same. So we didn’t change the routine at all. We just going through the pre-season and the season in the same way, probably with the improvement that I really want to do.”
Carlos Alcaraz is out to complete the career Grand Slam in Australia
Whilst Iga Swiatek is keeping her cards close to her chest whenever asked about completing the career Grand Slam at the Australian Open, Alcaraz has not been so shy.
He has spoken openly and regularly about his desire, and even spoke exclusively to The Tennis Gazette about the record.
Alcaraz’s desire to complete the career Grand Slam has been evident for months now, and he only cemented it in this press conference too.
Asked if he’d rather win just the Australian Open or all three of the other Grand Slams in 2026, his inability to answer spoke volumes: “Well, that’s a good one (smiling).
Why do you think Carlos Alcaraz has struggled at the Australian Open in the past?
2021 Australian Open – 1R
2022 Australian Open – 3R
2024 Australian Open – QF
2025 Australian Open – QF
“I don’t know. I don’t know which one I would choose. Obviously complete the career Grand Slam is something amazing to do, be able to be the youngest that have done it before, you know, is even better.
“But three are three. Three Grand Slam are three Grand Slam (smiling). So I don’t know. It is a question that I got to think about it, not just a quick answer.”
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