Carlos Alcaraz and Juan Carlos Ferrero will no longer be together. On Wednesday, one of the most shocking news in world tennis was confirmed: the young champion from Murcia and his mentor put an end to a collaboration that has marked an era in the sport. After more than seven years of working together, both have announced the decision to part ways, although with a tone of mutual respect and gratitude.
A relationship forged from the beginning
Alcaraz and Ferrero started their path when Carlitos was just a teenager with projection. The former world number one and winner of Roland Garros in 2003 bet on him when he was still taking his first steps in ITF tournaments. Time not only proved him right, but also elevated the association to the category of legend: 24 titles, six Grand Slams and the recognition of the player from Murcia as the number one in world tennis.
Juan Carlos Ferrero was more than a coach. He was a guide, a reference and part of the emotional structure of an Alcaraz who conquered the fans with his aggressive tennis and his unbreakable mentality.
Alcaraz’s emotional message: “You made me grow up”.
Carlos Alcaraz used his Instagram account to publicly say goodbye to his former coach. In an emotionally charged message, he wrote:
“It is very difficult for me to write this post… After more than seven years together, Juanki and I have decided to end our time together as coach and player. Thank you for having made childhood dreams, realities”, began the Murcian.
“We have made it to the top, and I feel that, if our sporting paths had to part, it had to be from up there. From the place we always worked for and always aspired to get to,” he continued.
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The tennis player also wanted to emphasize the importance of the process and not just the results: “You have made me grow as an athlete, but above all as a person. And something that I value very much: I have enjoyed the process”.
And he closed with words that make clear the admiration and affection he feels for Ferrero: “I am left with the peace of mind of knowing that we have left nothing to give, that we have put everything at each other’s disposal. Thanks for everything, Juanki!”
Ferrero also says goodbye: “It’s hard to find the words”.
For his part, Juan Carlos Ferrero also wanted to share his farewell message: “Today is a difficult day. One in which it is difficult to find the words. Saying goodbye is never easy, especially when there are so many shared experiences”.
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The coach from Alicante expressed his gratitude for the learning and the journey: “We have worked hard, grown together, and shared unforgettable experiences. I want to thank you for the time, the trust, the learning and, above all, for the people who have surrounded me throughout this journey”.
Samuel Lopez stays on as head coach
With Ferrero’s departure, Samuel Lopez will take over as Carlos Alcaraz’s new head coach. Lopez was already part of the coaching staff and was recognized along with Ferrero as the best coach of the year, an award given by his own colleagues in the profession.
Samuel Lopez will accompany the tennis player on his next tour of Oceania and will be the new key figure in this new stage of the Murcian, who will face the 2026 circuit with the pressure of staying at the top without the figure that took him there.
