Juan Carlos Ferrero, Carlos Alcaraz's former coach, has unfollowed the world No. 1 on Instagram days after Alcaraz's Australian Open triumph. This move, which also includes unfollowing Alcaraz's fitness trainer and physiotherapist, has sparked speculation about their relationship following their December split. Despite the social media cutoff, Alcaraz still follows Ferrero and has described their parting as mutual and amicable.
The partnership between Carlos Alcaraz and Juan Carlos Ferrero, which began in 2018 when Alcaraz joined Ferrero's academy in Villena at age 16, produced remarkable results. Over seven years, Alcaraz secured 24 ATP Tour singles titles, including six Grand Slams, under Ferrero's guidance.
Their collaboration ended in December 2025, with Samuel Lopez, a coach from Ferrero's academy, stepping in as Alcaraz's new head coach. In his first tournament without Ferrero, Alcaraz won the 2026 Australian Open, becoming the youngest man in the Open Era to complete a career Grand Slam.
Ferrero's recent unfollowing of Alcaraz on Instagram, noticed shortly after the Melbourne victory, extends to Alcaraz's fitness trainer and physiotherapist, though he continues to follow Lopez. Alcaraz remains connected to Ferrero on the platform. Ferrero has not commented on the decision, but some observers interpret it as a sign of a strained relationship.
Prior to the Australian Open, Alcaraz addressed the split briefly, emphasizing gratitude and friendship. "I got to say that I’m really grateful for this seven years I’ve been with Juan Carlos. I learned a lot. Probably thanks to him I’m the player that I am right now," Alcaraz said. He added, "We closed this chapter in mutual. We, as I said, both are still friends, good relationship."
Ferrero, in turn, expressed emotional difficulty with the separation. Speaking to COPE, he revealed, "My heart broke when it happened, but I’m recovering little by little. My heart is hurting, and I like to think that his is too." He described feeling melancholic about watching Alcaraz's team without him and noted, "Time heals everything."
The unfollowing has fueled discussions, especially given Ferrero's earlier statement wishing to continue the partnership. Alcaraz's success without Ferrero underscores his growth, while the gesture highlights the personal toll of their professional divorce in the high-stakes world of tennis coaching.
