Carlos Alcaraz and Juan Carlos Ferrero’s split came as a huge surprise to fans and pundits alike after the pair finished the season with two Grand Slams and the world number one spot.
Alcaraz and Ferrero confirmed they were parting ways in December, with Samuel Lopez set to continue in his role.
Several new coach names, including Andy Murray, have been touted for Alcaraz, but he is not expected to have a new man in the box before the Australian Open.
Several reasons have been touted about Ferrero and Alcaraz’s split, including financial, but Wimbledon winner Marion Bartoli believes the separation has nothing to do with money.
Marion Bartoli says Carlos Alcaraz and Juan Carlos Ferrero split is down to ‘tournament schedule’
Bartoli appeared on RMC Sport and suggested that the high-profile split was down to Alcaraz’s choice of schedule rather than money.
“The deep reasons why Juan Carlos and Carlos failed to reach an agreement are not solely financial. There is actually a problem regarding the tournament schedule chosen by Carlos Alcaraz and his entourage.
Who would you like to see become Carlos Alcaraz’s new coach?
“Specifically, many exhibition matches were added, which Juan Carlos Ferrero does not agree with. I mention this because it seems important: after the US Open, Carlos Alcaraz decided not to go to Asia, not to play the Asian swing.
“He then played an exhibition in Riyadh, came to play the Rolex Paris Masters where he was not in shape at all. He goes to the Masters in Turin, gets injured in the final, and cannot defend Spain’s colors in the Davis Cup final.”
Alcaraz played exhibition matches against Frances Tiafoe and Joao Fonseca following his withdrawal from the Davis Cup in November.
Who will be Carlos Alcaraz’s new coach?
Ferrero’s exit should be a cause for concern for Alcaraz, but he will likely bounce back from the major change.
Who would you like to see become Carlos Alcaraz’s new coach?
The Spaniard won several tournaments in 2025 without Ferrero in his box, so he knows what it’s like to work solely with Lopez.
Nevertheless, Alcaraz will be looking to add some more experience to his coaching team in the next few months.
Alex Corretja has predicted an ‘ex player’ for Alcaraz, while Rafael Nadal’s former coach Carlos Moya has also been touted.
Whoever Alcaraz gets in, it’s very unlikely that this move will dash his Grand Slam hopes for the 2026 season.
