Tennis world number one Carlos Alcaraz and his successful coach Juan Carlos Ferrero are surprisingly going their separate ways. The succession seems settled.
The Spaniard Alcaraz announced this on social media on Wednesday (December 17, 2025). “I find it very difficult to write this post. After more than seven years together, ‘Juanki’ and I have decided to end our collaboration as coaches and players,” wrote Alcaraz.
The 22-year-old did not give reasons for the separation. “Now comes times of change for both of us, new adventures and new projects.”
Successful year for Alcaraz
Alcaraz rose to the top of the world alongside Ferrero as a teenager. In 2022 he became the youngest world number one in history and took a total of six Grand Slam-Title. The past year was also successful, Alcaraz leads the world rankings ahead of his long-term rival Jannik Sinner (Italy).
“I wish you all the best for everything that comes,” wrote Alcaraz and ended his post with the words: “Thanks for everything, ‘Juanki'”.
Ferrero: “I wish I could have continued”
Ferrero also commented on social networks. “Thank you, Carlos, for the trust, the effort and for making me feel so special because of the way you fought,” wrote Ferrero. “I wish I could have moved on. I believe that good memories and good people always find a way to meet again.”
Samuel Lopez is probably the new head coach
According to the tennis academy founded by Ferrero, Samuel Lopez, Alcaraz’s second coach alongside Ferrero, will remain head coach. Alcaraz added the now 55-year-old Spaniard to his coaching team at the beginning of 2025. Lopez is “one of the best on the tour”, Alcaraz said at the time.
Just a few days ago, the ATP players’ association honored Lopez and Ferrero together as “Coach of the Year”.