The tennis world was rocked today as Carlos Alcaraz, the world No. 1, announced a shock split from his long-time coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero, after seven years of partnership .
Alcaraz, who has been a dominant force in the sport, has been guided by Ferrero since 2018. Under his stewardship, Alcaraz won all six of his Grand Slam titles, including the U.S. Open in 2022, which cemented his status as a tennis phenom. At just 19, he became the youngest athlete in history to reach the top spot in the men's Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) Tour rankings .
Alcaraz, who was named the ATP Player of the Year in 2025, has had a meteoric rise in the sport. He clinched the ATP's year-end No. 1 ranking, won a tour-high 71 matches, and claimed several other accolades . His partnership with Ferrero has been instrumental in his success, making the recent announcement even more surprising.
The split was confirmed through a statement released on Alcaraz's social media platforms, where he expressed gratitude to Ferrero for his guidance and support over the years. Alcaraz emphasized that the decision was made with the intention of embarking on a "new adventure," hinting at potential changes in his coaching staff or strategy in the coming year .
Ferrero, a former World No. 1 himself, had been pivotal in shaping Alcaraz's career. The pair had a successful run, with Ferrero's mentorship playing a crucial role in Alcaraz's success on the court. Despite the surprise, both parties have opted to part ways amicably, focusing on their respective futures in the sport .
The news comes as a shock to fans and analysts alike, who had grown accustomed to seeing the duo together. Alcaraz's future remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the tennis world will be watching closely to see how he continues to dominate the sport under new guidance .
