Carlos Alcaraz finished last season as number one and with two Grand Slam titles under his belt. Now, the Spaniard has surprisingly announced his split from his coach.
World number one tennis player Carlos Alcaraz and his coach Juan Carlos Ferrero are going their separate ways. The Spanish pro made the surprise announcement on Instagram on Wednesday. Alongside several photos of the two together, the 22-year-old wrote: “It’s very difficult for me to write this post… After more than seven years together, Juanki and I have decided to end our time together as coach and player.”
Alcaraz and the former world number one had been working together since 2018. The collaboration saw Alcaraz win six Grand Slam titles to date. He also became the youngest world number one in tennis history in 2022 and currently tops the rankings.
“Thank you for making my childhood dreams come true,” Alcaraz wrote. “We started this journey when I was just a little boy, and throughout all this time, you have accompanied me on an incredible journey, both on and off the court. And I have thoroughly enjoyed every step of the way with you,” said last year’s French and US Open winner.
Together, they made it to the top, and that’s where their collaboration should now end. “So many memories come to mind that it wouldn’t do justice to pick out just one,” said Alcaraz. “You helped me grow as an athlete, but above all as a person.”
Ferrero: “I wish I could have been there longer”
Now it’s time for new projects. “I wish you all the best for everything that lies ahead. I am certain that we left no stone unturned and that we gave each other our all,“ wrote Alcaraz, concluding his statement with: ”Thank you for everything, Juanki!”
The exact reasons for the split were not initially disclosed. However, Ferrero’s farewell message on Instagram suggests that the decision was not his: “I wish I could have stayed longer. I am convinced that beautiful memories and good people always find their way back to each other.”
Ferrero, who had previously also coached German tennis star Alexander Zverev, thanked Alcaraz for “the trust, the commitment, and for making me feel so special through your manner in competition. I wish you all the best, both professionally and personally.“ He is closing this chapter ”with sadness, but also with pride and anticipation for what may come.” Until further notice, Alcaraz will now be coached by Samuel López, who was previously part of the coaching team.