The reaction to Carlos Alcaraz’s shock split from Juan Carlos Ferrero has continued.
Alcaraz sent an emotional message to Ferrero after ending their seven-year collaboration ahead of the 2026 season.
However, confusion was created after Ferrero claimed he wanted to continue working with Alcaraz in his own social media post.
As Alcaraz searches for a new head coach, the former coach of Daniil Medvedev has now given his say.
Gilles Cervara says what he thinks about Carlos Alcaraz splitting from Juan Carlos Ferrero
Someone who knows what it is like to be on the end of a coaching relationship is Gilles Cervara, who parted ways with Daniil Medvedev after eight years of working together.
Over three months on from leaving Medvedev’s team, Cervara has spoken to L’Equipe about what he thinks about Alcaraz leaving Ferrero’s team.
While there are a lot of questions over the decision, Cervara thinks it could be ‘smart’ from Alcaraz if he believes he has got everything he can from Ferrero’s mentorship.
“I’ve noticed that these champions are able to sense when they need something different, or more, to keep progressing,” said Cervara. “And if that’s the case, it’s very smart of Carlos to continue improving.
“I think—whether it’s the player or the coach, and this is what I experienced with Daniil (Medvedev) —that at some point, it’s important to be able to sense it in advance so it’s not too late and to be sure the change is for the right reasons, towards further progress.
“Now, only time will tell if this decision will hold true. There’s nothing stopping us from thinking he might bring Juan (Carlos Ferrero) back if he’s winning.”
Why do you think Carlos Alcaraz and Juan Carlos Ferrero split?
Gilles Cervara suggests how he felt at the end of his relationship with Daniil Medvedev
Cervara continued to be questioned over the challenges that coaches and players may face after working together for a lengthy period of time.
This is where Cervara spoke about the difficulties of keeping the partnership fresh, suggesting this is how he felt working with Medvedev for such a long time.
“Seven years is a very long time,” said Cervara. “Beyond three years, it already starts to feel like a long time, and it’s important to maintain a sense of freshness, to always find ways to improve, to challenge oneself.
“Even at the highest level, even in a winning team, this is important because the very highest level is precisely made up of a sum of small details, and the only way to improve is to constantly challenge oneself.”
Who would you like to see coach Carlos Alcaraz next?
Cervara is now working with Nishesh Basavareddy, the young American who is currently competing at the Next Gen ATP Finals.
Basavareddy won his first match with Cervara as his coach, as he looks to become the second American player to win the Next Gen ATP Finals title after Brandon Nakashima.
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