Carlos Alcaraz has ended his long-standing coaching partnership with Juan Carlos Ferrero, bringing one of the most successful player-coach relationships in modern tennis to a close.
Alcaraz announced the decision on December 17, 2025, via social media, confirming that he and Ferrero have mutually agreed to separate after more than seven years together.
The Spaniard emphasized gratitude and affection in his message, thanking Ferrero for helping turn his childhood dreams into reality.
Ferrero, a former world No. 1 and French Open champion, expressed sadness at the split but wished Alcaraz continued success, stating that he “would have liked to continue” coaching the world’s top player.
A Partnership That Shaped a Champion
The Alcaraz–Ferrero partnership began when Alcaraz was still a teenager training at the Equelite Academy in Villena. What followed was one of the most rapid and dominant ascents the ATP Tour has ever seen.
Under Ferrero’s guidance, Alcaraz:
- Won six Grand Slam titles
- Captured 24 tour-level titles
- Became the youngest world No. 1 in ATP history in 2022
- Established himself as the defining player of his generation across all surfaces
Ferrero played a central role in shaping Alcaraz’s all-court identity, blending explosive athleticism with tactical discipline, physical durability, and elite competitive instincts.
Why the Split Happened
Neither Alcaraz nor Ferrero offered a detailed explanation for the separation, and both parties emphasized respect, gratitude, and shared memories rather than conflict.
What’s Next for Alcaraz?
Alcaraz did not announce a new head coach alongside the statement. However, Samuel López is expected to remain part of his support team, providing continuity as preparations begin for the 2026 season and the Australian Open.
The absence of an immediate replacement suggests that Alcaraz is taking a measured approach, prioritizing fit and long-term vision over urgency.
Speculation: Could Andy Murray Enter the Picture?
One name worth watching — Andy Murray.
Recently retired and widely respected. He won four majors, and as one of the sharpest tennis minds of his era, Murray has already shown interest in mentoring and analysis roles since leaving the tour.
His deep understanding of modern baseline patterns, defensive transitions, return positioning, and match-to-match adjustments aligns closely with the challenges Alcaraz now faces as the hunted, not the hunter.
He was also disappointed in his short tenure as Novak Djokovic’s coach, and maybe mentoring someone younger than him who wasn’t a rival could make for a tremendous pairing.
A Murray–Alcaraz partnership would be unconventional, but intriguing:
- Murray understands the physical and mental toll of sustaining greatness
- He has firsthand experience battling legends at their peak
- His analytical strengths could complement Alcaraz’s natural creativity and athleticism
There is no indication that discussions have taken place — this remains pure speculation — but as Alcaraz evaluates his next step, Murray’s name fits the profile of a coach who could help extend dominance rather than rebuild it.
We’ll see what, if any, toll the coaching change has on Alcaraz soon, as he’s scheduled to play in the Australian Open, beginning Sunday, January 18.
Phil Naessens is a tennis betting analyst and former tennis coach with decades of experience in player development and match analysis. He is the founder of Crush Rush News and host of the Crush & Rush Tennis Podcast, focusing on price-first betting strategy, market efficiency, and transparency in sports wagering.
