Carlos Alcaraz, the world number one in tennis, has announced the end of his professional relationship with coach Juan Carlos Ferrero after seven years of shared successes. The 22-year-old from Murcia thanks the 45-year-old technician for turning dreams into realities and helping him grow as a person. Now, Alcaraz will take the reins with Samuel López as the new director.
Carlos Alcaraz and Juan Carlos Ferrero have decided to end their collaboration after more than seven years together. The 22-year-old Spanish tennis player, with 24 titles in his collection—including six majors—confirmed the news: “After more than seven years together, Juanki and I have decided to end our stage as coach and player.” In 2025, Alcaraz added 71 victories and eight trophies, solidifying himself as the world number one and rivaling Jannik Sinner for leadership.
The relationship began eight years ago, when Ferrero, a former number one, bet on the young talent from El Palmar, giving up other projects after a negative experience with Alexander Zverev. Alcaraz debuted on the ATP Tour with a win at 16 and reached the world summit in 2022, more precocious than anyone. His 2023 Wimbledon triumph marked the definitive takeoff.
A Netflix docuseries released in April reveals tensions in their dynamic: Ferrero, with a rigid and military method, emphasized total discipline—“A tennis player is one 24 hours a day and 365 days a year”—while Alcaraz sought to balance sacrifice with moments of normality, like trips to Ibiza or Monza, which caused friction. The coach expressed doubts about the player's vision: “Alcaraz's understanding of work and sacrifice is different from ours.”
Alcaraz, increasingly autonomous, trains mainly in Murcia, where he has established his base with his own academy, visiting Ferrero's in Villena only sporadically. “I feel that if our sports paths had to separate, it should be from up there,” declared the Murcian, opting for change at the top to avoid future risks. Samuel López, until now complementary, will take the main role. “Times of change are coming for both of us. New adventures and new projects,” added Alcaraz, highlighting maturity in a sport that demands constant renewal, as in the cases of Federer, Sampras, or Djokovic.
