'We Didn’t Agree...': Carlos Alcaraz's Coach Breaks Silence; Reveals Why Partnership Ended

As the dust settles on one of tennis’ most surprising breakups, Juan Carlos Ferrero has finally spoken out about his shock split with world No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz.

In an interview with Marca, Ferrero, who coached Alcaraz from raw teenage prodigy to global superstar, revealed that a breakdown in contract negotiations — not money or ego — ultimately ended one of the most successful coach-player partnerships of the modern era.

“Everything seemed set to continue,” Ferrero said. “But when the season ends, contracts have to be reviewed. Looking ahead, there were certain points we didn’t agree on. In the end, we didn’t sit down to resolve them — and we decided not to continue.”

He was quick to shut down speculation that finances caused the rift, dismissing

reports in the Spanish media that he demanded a major pay rise to stay on.

“The financial issue wasn’t one of the problems,” Ferrero stressed.

Ferrero also rejected the idea that a tug-of-war between training bases played a role.

“We never saw this as a rivalry,” Ferrero said. “Carlos wanting to spend more time at home is completely understandable. Our academy was always available to him — never an obligation.”

The split marked the end of a seven-year journey that has reshaped men’s tennis. Ferrero began coaching Alcaraz at just 15, saying at the time he wanted to “build” a player from the ground up. What followed exceeded even the boldest expectations.

Together, Alcaraz won 24 ATP titles, six Grand Slams, and became the youngest world No. 1 in Open Era history. Ferrero earned ATP Coach of the Year honours in 2022 and 2025, while Alcaraz often described him as a “second father.”

That bond made the breakup all the harder.

“I think we both need time to process this,” Ferrero admitted. “Right now, I’m hurting. These relationships aren’t easy to end overnight.”

“I gave everything to this project — my time, my energy, my heart,” he added. “I’m incredibly grateful for what we built.”

Ferrero isn’t ruling out a reunion someday, but for now, he plans to step back.