The breakup between the renowned coach and player had long been foreshadowed, with Alcaraz's team once considering Murray as a potential replacement.

Spanish journalist José Morón disclosed that the split between Alcaraz and the experienced coach Ferrero at the conclusion of the 2025 season was essentially a goodbye postponed by one year; it almost took place last year but was delayed due to the player's own strong backing.

In 2024, Alcaraz started strong but then faltered. He successfully defended his titles at the French Open and Wimbledon, showcasing his dominance, yet after the Olympics, he lost direction abruptly, repeating the instability seen in 2023, with mental exhaustion becoming more apparent. By the season’s end, he was physically and mentally drained, angrily smashing his racket in Cincinnati to vent frustration, suffered an early upset in the US Open second round, and struggled in the ATP Finals group stage. After Wimbledon, he only won one title at the Paris Masters. This downturn led the team to blame Ferrero, believing his coaching style was too strict and his rigid philosophy no longer aligned with the player’s development pace.

At that time, the team decided to change coaches and had early on targeted former world No.1 Andy Murray as a replacement, valuing his extensive big-match experience and tactical versatility. Unfortunately, Djokovic secured Murray first, and Murray ultimately joined Djokovic’s team, blocking the coaching change plan. More importantly, Alcaraz, mindful of their mentor-mentee bond, firmly halted the coaching switch, allowing Ferrero to remain, proving their personal relationship had never soured.

The core disagreement between mentor and protégé inevitably stemmed from differing philosophies. Ferrero remained committed to his long-established coaching principles, while Alcaraz, entering his career prime, sought to explore tactics and rhythms better suited to himself. The contract renewal talks at the end of 2024 brought this conflict fully into the open. In the 2025 season, Alcaraz started poorly, exiting the Australian Open in the quarterfinals. Even though he won his first indoor title in Rotterdam, the cracks in their partnership were evident. By the season’s end, this celebrated tennis relationship ultimately ended in separation.

After seven years together, Ferrero personally shaped Alcaraz from a rising star into a top player, winning 6 Grand Slam titles, 8 Masters trophies, and finishing as year-end No.1 twice. Though their mentor-protégé chapter closed, it remains a benchmark story in the rise of the new generation in men’s tennis.

Ultimately, the split between the two was not about right or wrong, but an inevitable choice on the path of growth. No matter where their futures lead, the time they shared and achievements made will be forever remembered in tennis history.

That said, if even their results (year-end world No.1 plus eight titles in a season) and accolades (Coach of the Year) cannot prove the success of this “mentor-protégé” partnership, then what else could?

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