Shortly before Christmas, the separation of Carlos Alcaraz and Juan Carlos Ferrero shocked the tennis world. The successful coach now comments on the background.
Madrid – The news was unexpected: Carlos Alcaraz, who is considered the youngest world number one in tennis history, and his long-time coach Juan Carlos Ferrero are going their separate ways. The separation, announced shortly before Christmas, raises many questions. Ferrero, who played a key role in Alcaraz’s impressive rise, has now commented on the reasons.
In an interview with the Spanish newspaper Mark and on Spanish radio, Ferrero stated that there had been no personal disputes. “It is true that at the end of a year you have to review certain things as far as contracts are concerned,” Ferrero said. “Carlos’s entourage thinks about what’s best for him, and I think about what’s best for me. Maybe if we sat down together we could have solved it, but that didn’t happen.”
Ferrero talks about the Alcaraz exit
Ferrero emphasized that financial demands were not the reason for the separation. “I tried to make it clear that finances were not an issue and were not the reason I was part of this project.” Rather, different ideas about the new contract led to the final separation. “I remain true to my values and beliefs,” continued the former French Open winner.
On social media, Ferrero expressed his gratitude to Alcaraz. “Thank you, Carlos, for the trust, the effort and for making me feel so special because of the way you fought,” he wrote. “I wish I could have moved on. I believe that good memories and good people always find a way to meet again.”
Ferrero was emotionally affected by the breakup and admitted that he needed time to process the loss. “It will hurt to see him in tournaments. There are a lot of shared memories attached to it. It will take time.” Nevertheless, he still believes in Alcaraz’s success. “Carlos won’t go under, the people around him will tell him clearly what’s going on.”
For his own future, Ferrero is initially planning a break. “After seven long years, you need to rest. I want to spend time at home with my family and unwind to find new inspiration in case projects come along that motivate me.” Ferrero left the door open for a possible clarification of the relationship with Alcaraz and hopes that they will meet again in the future. (hbr)
