Carlos Alcaraz and Juan Carlos Ferrero have split after seven years…
The world number one will travel to the Australian Open without Ferrero in his corner, after the pair shocked the tennis world, ending their coaching relationship weeks before the beginning of the 2026 season.
It’s unclear exactly why the pair split, although it has been suggested that Alcaraz and Ferrero parted ways due to a contractual disagreement.
Why do you think Carlos Alcaraz and Juan Carlos Ferrero split?
More will surely be revealed in the coming days, although that hasn’t stopped the stars of the ATP Tour, past and present, from rushing to share their thoughts.
Former Wimbledon quarterfinalist Feliciano Lopez has weighed in on the discussion, admitting he is now concerned for his fellow Spaniard.
Feliciano Lopez doesn’t know if Carlos Alcaraz is ‘mentally prepared’ for life after Juan Carlos Ferrero
Appearing as a guest on El Partidazo de COPE, Lopez offered up his immediate reaction to the story of the off-season.
“I am sad and surprised,” he said.
“I think it’s still a bit early to stop working with someone as important as [Juan Carlos] Ferrero.
“Juan Carlos has been the most important person in his career, I think, along with his father.
“I don’t know if Carlos Alcaraz will be mentally prepared to face what remains of his career, at least in the short term, without Juan Carlos Ferrero as a figure; that’s my opinion.
“That’s why I feel a little sorry about this breakup.”
Who would you like to see coach Carlos Alcaraz next?
Lopez then shared his theory about why Alcaraz and Ferrero parted ways.
“I do point more to the economic issue,” he said.
“Juan Carlos Ferrero deserves to be financially compensated as the coach of the best player in the world.
“In Alcaraz’s case, I think he’s not making those decisions yet.
“I have doubts as to whether Carlos was the one who really decided he didn’t want to continue with Juan Carlos.”
Whatever the reasons behind the split may be, Alcaraz won’t want to dwell on them for too long, as he continues to prepare for the Australian Open.
A tournament where he can finally complete the Career Grand Slam…
Can Carlos Alcaraz win the Australian Open?
For all his success elsewhere on tour, Alcaraz hasn’t quite found a way to play his best tennis Down Under.
The Spaniard has yet to reach a semifinal in Melbourne, something he’ll no doubt look to improve upon next month.
Carlos Alcaraz’s Grand Slam record
| Grand Slam | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
| Australian Open | – | 2R | 3R | – | QF | QF |
| French Open | Q1 | 3R | QF | SF | W | W |
| Wimbledon | – | 2R | 4R | W | W | F |
| US Open | – | QF | W | SF | 2R | W |
Carlos Alcaraz’s Australian Open results
- 2021 – Lost in 2R to Mikael Ymer
- 2022 – Lost in 3R to Matteo Berrettini
- 2024 – Lost in QF to Alexander Zverev
- 2025 – Lost in QF to Novak Djokovic
Despite his struggles, Alcaraz will head to the Australian Open as one of the pre-tournament favorites.
Who will win the 2026 Australian Open?
Most fans are backing Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner to contest their fourth consecutive Grand Slam final when they head to Australia.
Should both players advance to the Championship match, Alcaraz would surely set foot on Rod Laver Arena as a big underdog.
Sinner is the two-time defending champion and has looked a class above at the Australian Open over the last few years.
That’s not to say Alcaraz can’t spring an upset, though, as he did just that at the US Open a few months ago.
The Italian was expected to win his second-straight title at Flushing Meadows, but Alcaraz turned up with an improved serve and picked up the trophy.
It would also be remiss not to mention Novak Djokovic, the record 10-time champion.
Yes, he is 38 years old, but he remains one of the best players in men’s tennis, and if he can stay fit, he could trouble both Alcaraz and Sinner.
It’s tough to predict who will emerge victorious in Melbourne, but you certainly won’t want to miss any of the action.
Alcaraz will resume his search for the Career Grand Slam when the Australian Open begins on Sunday, January 18.
Receive exclusive tennis news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
