World tennis number one Carlos Alcaraz has released a sudden statement confirming he has split with his long-term coach.
Ever since his breakout season in 2022, when he won his first Grand Slam title and became the youngest World No. 1 in ATP history, Alcaraz has become the biggest name in tennis.
The Spaniard has gone on to claim 24 career titles - including six Grand Slams and enjoys a fierce rivalry with fellow tennis prodigy Jannik Sinner.
No doubt, a key part of Alcaraz's success has been the team that he has built around him, including coach Juan Carlos Ferrero who he has worked with since he was a teenager.
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But now, Alcaraz has confirmed that after more than seven years together, he has split with his coach ahead of the 2026 season.
Announcing the shock decision on social media, the 22-year-old wrote: 'It’s very difficult for me to write this post… After more than seven years together, Juanki and I have decided to end our time together as coach and player.
"Thank you for turning childhood dreams into realities. 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.
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"We’ve managed to reach the top, and I feel that if our sports paths had to part ways, it had to be from up there. From the place we always worked toward and always aspired to reach.
"There are so many memories that come to mind that picking just one wouldn’t be fair. You’ve helped me grow as an athlete, but above all as a person. And something I value so much: I’ve enjoyed the process. That’s what I’ll hold onto, the path we’ve traveled together.
"Now times of change are coming for both of us, new adventures and new projects. But I’m certain we’ll face them the right way, giving our best, as we’ve always done. Always adding up.
"I wish you all the best from the heart in everything that comes. I’m left with the peace of mind of knowing we didn’t hold anything back, that we gave everything we had for each other.
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"Thank you for everything, Juanki!"
Shortly after, Ferrero reacted to the announcement, confirming that he would have preferred to stay on as coach.
"I would have liked to continue," he wrote on Instagram.
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"I'm convinced that good memories and good people always find a way to cross paths again. Thank you from the bottom of my heart."
Topics: Carlos Alcaraz, Tennis
Ben McCrum