Carlos Alcaraz and Juan Carlos Ferrero have headlined a ridiculous past month in tennis, laden with high-profile splits between players and coaches.
Naturally, those struggling for form could be justified in seeking a shake-up and a difference of opinion.
However, for a player who currently holds two of the four Grand Slam titles and has just ascended to number one in the world, such a decision feels unprecedented.
Alas, it has been done, and Carlos Alcaraz must now start planning for a future without Ferrero.
Greg Rusedski makes claim about Rafael Nadal coaching Carlos Alcaraz
Chatting on his new podcast, Off Court with Greg, Greg Rusedski has sought to imagine what that might look like.
And, in rather stunning fashion, the former British number one spoke about whether Rafael Nadal would be tempted to give coaching a go, given the success of his academy.
Would Rafael Nadal be the undisputed GOAT if not for injuries?
Rusedski was not enthused by that suggestion though, and was quick to shut down such a rumour.
He admitted: “I just don’t think Rafael Nadal is at a time in his life when he wants to get back on the tour and travel every week.
“Nadal has two young children, and he seems to be enjoying his retirement, so I just don’t see him giving everything up to go back on the road with Alcaraz.”
Nadal did help coach Alexander Zverev earlier this year, but that marked just a brief union.
Greg Rusedski explains why he thinks Carlos Alcaraz split with Juan Carlos Ferrero
Although many details have emerged, outlining the reasons why Ferrero rejected Alcaraz’s contract, Rusedski sought to give the additional reasons that he felt might have contributed to the split.
Speaking on that same podcast, he added: “We don’t know whose decision this was, but who can believe it? You win coach of the year one week, Alcaraz is player of the year and world No. 1, and suddenly he splits with his coach.
“It’s a shock. We know it’s nothing to do with the finances, as he has signed a big new deal with Nike, and I feel this is about the relationship and communication. Maybe he is playing too many exhibitions, enjoying his life outside tennis.
“We are halfway through the off-season, and this is obviously a disagreement about training or too many exhibitions.
“Ferrero looks like he is battling with Alcaraz because the player wants to enjoy his life. If you are happy off court, you play better and if you try to change someone’s personality, it can get more difficult. That may be where the battle lines were drawn.
Who would you like to see coach Carlos Alcaraz next?
“I was hoping this relationship would last throughout his career, like with Rafael Nadal and his uncle Toni, but now this news has come.
“No one would say no to coaching Carlos Alcaraz if he calls you, but it’s going to be tough to replace Juan Carlos Ferrero.”
Receive exclusive tennis news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
