Carlos Alcaraz has left tennis fans astounded after splitting from long-term coach Juan Carlos Ferrero.
Alcaraz has worked with Ferrero since the age of 16, with his fellow Spaniard helping him win six Grand Slam titles.
However, in an emotional statement, Alcaraz confirmed he has parted ways with Ferrero ahead of the 2026 season.
Ferrero also wrote a statement to Alcaraz and claimed he would have liked to continue, with tennis fans now reacting to the shock news on social media.
Tennis fans react to Carlos Alcaraz’s split from Juan Carlos Ferrero
There have been some big coaching splits this year, including Daniil Medvedev parting ways with Giles Cervara after working together for eight years.
That came after Medvedev lost in the first round of the US Open, but it seems as though almost nobody was expecting world number one Alcaraz to call things a day with Ferrero, who just won the ATP’s coach of the year alongside Samuel Lopez.
One person wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter), “That’s really shocking, Carlos had his best season this year and jcf [Juan Carlos Ferrero] won coach of the year too, I don’t think anyone saw this coming.”
Someone else wrote, “With the way everything has been going this is shocking, but best of luck to both of them.”
Others echoed a similar sentiment, “I’m super shocked..I really did not see this one coming…especially after he’d guided him to the year-end number one.”
“What is Carlitos doing? JCF has been fantastic for him.”
Why do you think Carlos Alcaraz and Juan Carlos Ferrero split?
While admitting they were surprised at the news, another social media user suggested that this may be a positive move for Alcaraz.
“Very unexpected. Their chemistry was so good but it will do him more good than harm in the longer run Ferrero was more like a father figure than a tactical coach. A change of coach may well bring some fresh ideas.”
Although most people were surprised by the news, some claimed they had noticed some things that seemed off between Alcaraz and Ferrero.
One wrote, “Tbh [To be honest] I am not surprised. Just the way they were interacting on court and some of the blips in his game during some matches, felt like an evolution was inevitable.”
Another agreed, “I’m not surprised. I think Carlitos might want to improve at certain things that JCF isn’t the best choice for. Hopefully, whoever coaches him next doesn’t disrupt all the progress made, and helps him become an even better player.”
Who would you like to see Juan Carlos Ferrero coach next?
- Taylor Fritz?
- Ben Shelton?
- Someone else?
Carlos Alcaraz’s career achievements with Juan Carlos Ferrero
There appears to be a lot of confusion surrounding the real reason Alcaraz has parted ways with Ferrero, but there is no doubting the success they achieved together.
Alcaraz has been world number one for 50 weeks with Ferrero by his side, and has won a total of 24 titles.
Six of the 22-year-old’s titles have come at Grand Slams, and Alcaraz has also lifted eight Masters 1000 trophies during Ferrero’s tenure.
| Carlos Alcaraz’s Career Achievements with Juan Carlos Ferrero | |
| Weeks as world number one | 50 (14th most ever) |
| Career Titles | 24 |
| Grand Slam titles | 6 |
| Masters 1000 titles | 8 |
| Olympic medals | Silver (Paris 2024 – Singles) |
It is currently unclear as to whether Alcaraz will bring anyone in to replace Ferrero, with the aforementioned Lopez set to remain on his team.
Alcaraz will begin his 2026 season at the Australian Open, where he is set to be inundated with questions about the reasons for Ferrero’s departure.
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