Complete fallout? Ferrero reveals no contact with Alcaraz since their split

The partnership between Alcaraz and Ferrero was once a combination fans hoped would last a lifetime. However, after seven years together, their collaboration came to an end, leaving many questions unanswered. Since parting ways, things have not gone smoothly. As speculation grew, with some reports claiming they no longer communicate, Ferrero hinted that he actually understands the full story behind it all.

In an interview with Radiogaceta de los Deportes, Ferrero stated that he initially believed he and Alcaraz would remain on friendly terms after their split. He spoke gently about the world number one and reflected on the time they shared. Ferrero clearly expressed that mutual respect and gratitude always existed between them.

“I learned a lot from Carlos. He is a highly charismatic young man, very loyal, very honest, always truthful, and extremely hardworking. I left feeling happy because once everything settled down, I believed we would continue to communicate, reminisce about the many experiences we had together, and remain friends.”

Despite these words, Ferrero confirmed that he has not communicated with Alcaraz since their separation. He explained that timing is crucial, emphasizing that the former world number one needs space during a critical training phase. “We haven’t talked yet because he needs to focus quietly on his training right now. Once things calm down, we will have a conversation, and everything will be fine.” Ferrero stressed there is no resentment, and future communication will happen naturally.

However, the timing of this split is particularly noteworthy. Alcaraz is only 22 years old and has spent most of his professional career alongside Ferrero. Their collaboration began when Alcaraz was just a teenager—at 15, he started training under the former world number one at Ferrero’s academy, about an hour’s drive from Murcia, Alcaraz’s hometown.

Ferrero joined the project through the connection of Alcaraz’s agent, Albert Molina. Molina discovered Alcaraz’s potential when he was only 11 and subsequently convinced the international sports management company IMG to represent him. Ferrero fully committed to the project, viewing Alcaraz as a long-term investment rather than a short-term gamble, carefully shaping the young player’s development over the years.

At 45, Ferrero played a central role in Alcaraz’s rise to the top of tennis. He guided Alcaraz into the professional circuit and helped him mature both on and off the court. Under Ferrero’s mentorship, Alcaraz won six Grand Slam titles and established his dominance among his generation of players.

This split occurred shortly after a celebrated moment. Just over a month ago, during the ATP Finals, Alcaraz celebrated finishing the season as the year-end world number one alongside Ferrero and his team.

Even after losing to Sinner in the Turin ATP Finals final, Alcaraz showed no signs of change. At the time, he spoke about reviewing his game during the off-season. Nevertheless, the split still drew attention, confirming there were deeper reasons behind it.

A few days ago, Ferrero spoke to Spanish media outlet Marca about how things changed after the season ended. He explained that the core issue was contract negotiations. “Indeed, at the end of each season, contract matters must be reassessed. When looking ahead to a new contract for the upcoming year, we had disagreements in several areas. Like any negotiation, one side pulls one way, the other pulls another. Carlos’s team fights for his best interests, and I have to look out for myself. On some points, we couldn’t reach an agreement.”

Given their tremendous success, this situation was even more surprising. Although Ferrero helped Alcaraz win six Grand Slam titles and reach the world number one spot, reports say that after his previous contract expired at the end of November, Ferrero waited two weeks before receiving a renewal offer. When the offer finally arrived, he was told he had only two days to review and sign it.

There are also reports that Ferrero subsequently made a counteroffer, which was rejected. These developments increased the strain on an already tense relationship. Sources indicate the split also involved tension within Alcaraz’s family. Back in February 2023, Ferrero had a heated argument with Alcaraz’s father, triggered by Ferrero’s decision not to join the team for the South American season.

Tensions between them had already surfaced in a documentary last year. Although their bond appeared strong, it sometimes resembled a father-son relationship, which occasionally led to friction. In the documentary, Ferrero expressed dissatisfaction with Alcaraz’s focus at certain times and questioned Alcaraz’s decision to vacation on Ibiza after winning the 2024 French Open, a trip that went against advice from Ferrero and agent Molina.

However, after Alcaraz won the US Open this year, Ferrero praised his growth highly, calling it the best performance of his career and highlighting his increasing maturity.

With the new season approaching, Alcaraz will first play an exhibition match against Sinner in South Korea before heading to Australia for the Australian Open. Alcaraz aims to prove he can still win without Ferrero by his side. Whether he can maintain this level of dominance long-term remains to be seen.(Source: Tennis Home, Author: Huohua)