The tennis world is reeling after Carlos Alcaraz’s split with Juan Carlos Ferrero, but all is not lost for the world number one.
Carlos Moya has been tipped to succeed Ferrero, while current coach Samuel Lopez is expected to stay in his role.
Alcaraz is in the rare situation of being the world number one and splitting with a coach, but he’s not the only top star to change things up while high in the rankings.
In 2022, Novak Djokovic split from his long-time coach Marian Vajda, who he had worked for over 15 years, and his fortunes almost instantly changed.
Novak Djokovic’s resurgence after splitting with Marian Vajda
Djokovic worked with Vajda from 2006 until 2017 and again in 2018 until 2022, but they split in March of 2022 for the final time.
Vajda oversaw 20 Grand Slam title wins with Djokovic, but the Serbian did not lose his winning touch after separating from his long-term coach.
Who would you like to see become Carlos Alcaraz’s new coach?
The star almost immediately returned to Grand Slam success, by lifting the Wimbledon trophy just three months later.
Djokovic won a further three Grand Slams without Vajda, tasting success alongside tennis icon Goran Ivanisevic until 2024.
The Serbian won the Australian Open, Roland Garros, and the US Open in the same year in 2023, as well as reaching the final of Wimbledon.
Carlos Alcaraz should be inspired by Novak Djokovic’s move
Alcaraz’s split with Ferrero is a major blow, but he will still be a huge contender for each of the Grand Slams in 2026.
What do you make of Carlos Alcaraz’s decision to part ways with Juan Carlos Ferrero?
The Spaniard has proved he has the mentality to challenge at the latter stages, and Djokovic’s incredible resurgence after splitting with his long-time coach should be an inspiration.
Alcaraz will likely work under Samuel Lopez for the Australian Open, but coaches will be lining up to work with the world number one.
Unlike Djokovic, Alcaraz has time on his side. Djokovic was 35 years old when he split with Vajda, while the Spaniard is still only 22.
