Alcaraz unexpectedly 'cuts ties' ahead of the 2026 season

The choice taken by Carlos Alcaraz has surprised the world of tennis.

Carlos Alcaraz has shocked the tennis world by announcing the end of his long-term coaching relationship with Juan Carlos Ferrero - the mentor who has supported him since the early days of his professional career.

This decision to part ways comes at a time when the Spanish player is experiencing the most successful season of his career. At 22 years old, Alcaraz has won two prestigious Grand Slam titles, Roland Garros and the US Open, along with eight other championships, finishing the season as the world number one. These impressive achievements make the news of his split with Ferrero even more puzzling and intriguing.

Juan Carlos Ferrero - former world number one and Roland Garros champion, has coached Alcaraz for over seven years, from when he was a promising young boy to becoming a top ATP star. Recently, Ferrero was honored with the ATP Coach of the Year award, recognizing his significant contribution to Carlitos’ remarkable rise.

In a message posted on social media, Alcaraz admitted that this was not an easy decision. He expressed deep gratitude to Ferrero for turning his childhood dream into reality and emphasized that their journey together was a "wonderful adventure" both on and off the court.

The Spanish player also believes that ending their partnership at the peak of their success is the best way to close this chapter, allowing each to pursue new paths and projects.

Ferrero shared similar feelings in his own statement, although he did not specify the reasons for the split. He described it as a difficult day, noting that saying goodbye is never easy when so many memories and shared experiences exist. The former world number one thanked Alcaraz for his trust, effort, and playing style that brought him special emotions, wishing his former pupil all the best in both his career and personal life.