Spanish tennis star Carlos Alcaraz sent shockwaves through the tennis fraternity after announcing his split from longtime coach Juan Carlos Ferrero. The decision brought an end to a seven-year partnership defined by remarkable success, including multiple Grand Slam titles that propelled Alcaraz to the top of the rankings.
The development stunned many within the sport, including five-time Grand Slam champion Maria Sharapova, who became emotional upon hearing the news.
Maria Sharapova Expressed Her Emotions After Carlos Alcaraz’s Split With Longtime Coach Juan Carlos Ferrero
Alcaraz joined forces with Ferrero at the age of 15, and together they embarked on a remarkably successful journey. Under the former world No. 1’s guidance, the Spaniard captured 24 tour-level titles, including the six Grand Slam trophies he has won to date.
In 2025 alone, Alcaraz lifted eight titles, highlighted by triumphs at the French Open and the US Open, along with three Masters 1000 crowns. Ferrero’s influence also played a pivotal role in Alcaraz becoming the youngest year-end world No. 1 in history in 2022, when he was just 18 years old.
Parting ways with Ferrero was indeed brutal for Alcaraz, and his social media note made it clear.
“It is very difficult for me to write this post. After over seven years together, Juanki and I have decided to end our time together as coach and player. Thank you for making my childhood dreams a reality. We started on this road when I was just a boy and for all this time you have been with me on an incredible journey, on and off the court. I have enjoyed every step with you so much,” he said.
“Now is a time of change for both of us, new adventures, new projects. But I am sure that we will approach them in the correct way, giving our best, as we always have. Always moving forward. With all my heart, I wish you the best for what is to come. I am happy I can say we always gave our all, that we gave each other everything,” he concluded.
As expected, the announcement sent ripples through the tennis fraternity, with many reacting emotionally to the end of the partnership.
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Five-time Grand Slam champion Maria Sharapova was among those moved by the news, sharing a face-holding-back-tears emoji in the comments.
Ferrero later addressed the split on social media, thanking Alcaraz for his trust and acknowledging the progress they had achieved together. The former world No. 1 also revealed he had hoped the partnership would continue.
While Alcaraz has not indicated if a new head coach will be appointed for the upcoming season, his immediate plans are clear.
The 22-year-old will continue working with Samuel López, a key figure in his team since last year. Earlier this month, López and Ferrero were jointly named ATP Coaches of the Year after Alcaraz’s outstanding 2025 campaign.