Carlos Alcaraz will begin his search for a new coach after parting ways with longtime mentor Juan Carlos Ferrero.
Alcaraz split with Ferrero on Wednesday, ending the successful seven-year partnership in an unexpected move that shocked the tennis world.
The Spaniard had just recorded the best season of his career under the wing of his compatriot, having clinched eight ATP titles, two of which were Grand Slams.
Who would you like to see coach Carlos Alcaraz next?
Neither party has confirmed the reason for the split, but it was reported that Alcaraz and Ferrero could not agree on a new coaching contract.
Samuel Lopez, Alcaraz‘s assistant coach, appears to be taking the reins for now, but former American player Steve Johnson thinks there are two people most likely to be appointed by the 22-year-old in the coming weeks.
Steve Johnson discusses Juan Carlos Ferrero’s replacement
Speaking on the ‘Nothing Major‘ podcast, Johnson said of the split between Alcaraz and Ferrero: “I think the timing is a little concerning.
“Usually with the big time partnerships – the Roger’s, Rafa’s and the Novak’s. They will end after a Slam, or someone will be like this is our last event together. I did not see this coming.”
When asked if Alcaraz will bring in a new coach ahead of the 2026 ATP season, Johnson said: “I think so. 100% he brings somebody in.
Why do you think Carlos Alcaraz and Juan Carlos Ferrero split?
“My gut tells me somebody like [Carlos] Moya or [David] Ferrer. We have talked about this a lot. Does coaching really matter?
“At this stage, maybe it’s not so important for Carlos. But getting to where he did, that was amazing from Juan Carlos Ferrero and what they did together.”
The coaching history of David Ferrer and Carlos Moya
David Ferrer is the current captain of the Spanish Davis Cup team, but has also had a brief spell in coaching.
In July 2020, Alexander Zverev added Ferrer to his coaching team, but ultimately parted ways with the former world number three in January 2021.
Carlos Moya, on the other hand, enjoyed a much longer period as a head coach, having taken over from Toni Nadal in 2017 to become the main man in Rafael Nadal‘s team.
Following a short stint with former Wimbledon finalist Milos Raonic, Moya was in Nadal’s corner from 2017 until the end of his career in 2024.
He guided the King of Clay to 17 of his 92 ATP titles, including six Grand Slams and seven ATP Masters 1000 crowns.
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