Carlos Alcaraz is splitting up with the former French Open champion who has coached him since he was 15 years old.
The six-time Grand Slam winner stunned the tennis world on Wednesday, Dec. 17, announcing on social media he is ending a seven-year partnership with fellow Spaniard Juan Carlos Ferrero. Alcaraz, 22, became the youngest player to reach No. 1 in the ATP rankings when he won his first U.S. Open in 2022 with Ferrero alongside him as he quickly became a force in men’s tennis. They most recently won the U.S. Open again in September.
Alcaraz finished with a career-best eight titles and 71 wins in 2025 and he is currently ranked No. 1 in the ATP rankings despite losing to No. 2 Janik Sinner at the ATP Finals last month in Saudi Arabia. Alcaraz also won two French Open titles and two Wimbledon titles under Ferrero.
‘After more than seven years together, Juanki and I have decided to bring our chapter together as coach and player to an end,’ Alcaraz wrote in a post translated from Spanish to English, referring to Ferrero by his nickname. ‘Thank you for turning childhood dreams into reality. We started this journey when I was barely a kid, and throughout all this time you’ve accompanied me on an incredible journey, on and off the court. And I’ve enjoyed every step of it so much with you.’
Though Alcaraz indicated the split was a mutual parting, Ferrero put out his own statement on social media addressing the situation that read, in part, ‘I wish I could have continued. I am convinced that good memories and good people always find a way to cross paths again.
‘We have been an incredible team despite the difficulties,’ wrote Ferrero, a former world No. 1 from Spain, ‘and I am sure you will continue to achieve great success.’
Neither Alcaraz nor Ferrero mentioned a specific reason or event that led to their decision to move on from their decorated run. Last year, Alcaraz hired Samuel Lopez to coach alongside Ferrero.
‘I sincerely wish you all the best in everything that comes your way,’ Alcaraz wrote. ‘I’m comforted by the knowledge that we gave our all, that we offered everything to each other. Thank you for everything, Juanki!’