SPAIN. By Leo Canaparo
Spanish tennis star Carlos Alcaraz and his longtime coach Juan Carlos Ferrero have reportedly decided to end their professional relationship, bringing to a close one of the most successful player–coach partnerships of recent years. While no official statement has detailed the exact causes, several factors are believed to have influenced the decision.
According to sources close to the team, one of the key issues may have been financial. Negotiations over Ferrero’s contract reportedly reached an impasse, with Alcaraz’s camp aiming to reduce the coach’s fee, while Ferrero was seeking an increase, reflecting his role in Alcaraz’s rapid rise to the top of men’s tennis.
Another point of tension is said to have involved scheduling and long-term planning. In recent seasons, Alcaraz and Ferrero had agreed to participate in a growing number of exhibition tournaments. While these events offer significant financial rewards and global exposure, they also add to an already demanding calendar. Sources suggest that Alcaraz’s father was not entirely in favor of this strategy, preferring a more conservative approach focused on official ATP competition and long-term physical management.
Despite the reported differences, the split is understood to be respectful, with both sides acknowledging the extraordinary success they achieved together, including Grand Slam titles and time at the top of the ATP rankings.
As Alcaraz looks ahead to the next phase of his career, attention now turns to who will guide him moving forward — and how this decision may shape the future of one of tennis’s brightest stars.