Carlos Alcaraz split with Juan Carlos Ferrero in December, ending one of the most successful partnerships in tennis history.
The pair had worked together since Alcaraz was 15, and under Ferrero’s tutelage, the young Spaniard had won six Grand Slam titles and achieved the world number one ranking.
Many tennis fans expected their partnership to continue for years to come. However, it was not to be.
Ferrero is set to lift the lid on his split from Alcaraz on Thursday when a blockbuster interview with Spanish journalist Josef Pedrerol airs.
Are you surprised by how he has coped since Ferrero’s departure? 🤔
Excerpts from the interview have already been released, and Ferrero has said he wants to have a meeting with Alcaraz.
In another excerpt released today, Ferrero has said whether he would coach Alcaraz again, if the 22-year-old were to ask.
Juan Carlos Ferrero says he ‘couldn’t say no’ to coaching Carlos Alcaraz again
In a video posted on the El Cafelito X page, Pedrerol can be heard asking Ferrero: “If Alcaraz asks you to return, will you return?”
In response, Ferrero admitted that he would not be able to refuse Alcaraz’s hypothetical request.
In a statement translated from Spanish, Ferrero said: “They say sequels are never as good, but in some movies they really are.
“Deep down in my heart, I couldn’t say no to him.”
Ferrero’s statement is understandable considering the close bond he and Alcaraz had during their time together on the Tour.
The pair had a very close coaching relationship, with Alcaraz previously stating that he viewed Ferrero as a ‘second father.’
Of course, Ferrero’s statement is purely hypothetical: there has been no indication from Alcaraz or Ferrero regarding a future reunification of their prior partnership.
What do you make of Carlos Alcaraz’s decision to part ways with Juan Carlos Ferrero?
However, the statement does serve to further emphasise how close Ferrero and Alcaraz were during their time together, and how much Ferrero values Alcaraz as a player and a person.
Alcaraz’s six Grand Slam titles under Ferrero’s tutelage
Alcaraz won his first Grand Slam title in incredible circumstances. The Spaniard saved match points during his quarter-final match with Jannik Sinner, before going on to win the title.
Seven months later, the Spaniard lifted his first Wimbledon trophy, defeating Novak Djokovic in a marathon final.
A first French Open title followed in 2024, as did a second Wimbledon title.
Last year, Alcaraz won his last two majors under Ferrero’s tutelage: the French Open and US Open.
Alcaraz’s six Grand Slam title wins under Ferrero’s tutelage…
| Year | Grand Slam Tournament | Surface | Final Opponent | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | US Open | Hard | Casper Ruud | 6–4, 2–6, 7–6(1), 6–3 |
| 2023 | Wimbledon Championships | Grass | Novak Djokovic | 1–6, 7–6(6), 6–1, 3–6, 6–4 |
| 2024 | French Open | Clay | Alexander Zverev | 6–3, 2–6, 5–7, 6–1, 6–2 |
| 2024 | Wimbledon Championships | Grass | Novak Djokovic | 6–2, 6–2, 7–6 |
| 2025 | French Open | Clay | Jannik Sinner | 4–6, 6–7, 6–4, 7–6, 7–6 |
| 2025 | US Open | Hard | Jannik Sinner | 6–2, 3–6, 6–1, 6–4 |
Since parting ways with Ferrero, Alcaraz has started the year on a 12-match winning streak, winning the Australian Open and Qatar Open.
By winning the Australian Open, Alcaraz became the youngest player in men’s singles history to complete the ‘Career Grand Slam,’ surpassing his compatriot, Rafael Nadal.
