Carlos Alcaraz has announced his split from Juan Carlos Ferrero, his coach of seven years. Ferrero, himself a former world No. 1 and Grand Slam champion, started working with Alcaraz when the Spanish star was just 15 years old and transformed him into one of the world’s best players. During their time together, Alcaraz has won 24 career titles – including six Grand Slams, spent 50 weeks at No. 1 in the world, claimed an Olympic silver medal.
The news comes just days after Ferrero and Samuel Lopez won the ATP Coach of the Year Award for 2025, making Ferrero the first man to win the award multiple times since it was created in 2016. Alcaraz shared the news of their shock split in an emotional statement on social media on Wednesday.
“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 a coach and player. Thank you for making childhood dreams come true,” the world No. 1 wrote.
“We started this path when I was just a kid, and during all this time you have accompanied me on an incredible journey, on and off the track. And I have really enjoyed every step with you. We have managed to reach the top, and I feel that, if our sports paths had to separate, it had to be from up there. From the place where we always work and where we always aspire to reach.
“There are so many memories that come to my mind that being alone with one would not be fair. You have made me grow as an athlete, but above all as a person. And something that I value very much: I have enjoyed the process. I’ll keep that, with the road travelled together.
“Now come times of change for both, new adventures and new projects. But I am sure that we will face them in the right way, giving the best of us, as we have always done. Always adding. I sincerely wish you the best in all that comes. I am left with the tranquillity of knowing that we have not left anything to give, that we have made everything available to the other. Thank you for everything, Juanki!”
Ferrero shared a statement of his own on Instagram alongside a series of photos with Alcaraz throughout the years. He wrote: “Today is a difficult day. One of those when it’s hard to find the right words. Saying goodbye is never easy, especially when there are so many shared experiences behind it.
“We have worked hard, grown together, and shared unforgettable moments. I want to thank you for the time, the trust, the learning, and above all, for the people who have surrounded me throughout this journey. I take with me laughter, challenges overcome, conversations, support during difficult moments, and the satisfaction of having been part of something truly unique.
“Today, a very important chapter of my life comes to an end. I close it with nostalgia, but also with pride and excitement for what may come next. I know that everything I have lived has prepared me to be better. Thank you, Carlos, for the trust, the effort, and for making your way of competing make me feel so special. I wish you all the best, both professionally and personally.
“I would also like to thank the entire team for making my work easier throughout all these years. With you, I have learned that work is not just about tasks or results, but about the people who walk alongside you. Each and every one of you has left a mark on me that I will never forget. We have been an incredible team despite the difficulties, and I am sure you will continue to achieve great success.
“I wish I could have continued. I am convinced that good memories and good people always find a way to cross paths again. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
Alcaraz is also coached by Samuel Lopez, who works at Ferrero’s academy in Alicante. Neither Alcaraz nor Ferrero have shared the reason for Ferrero leaving the camp.
