An unexpected announcement shook the tennis world a couple of weeks ago and, since then, the debate about what is hidden behind the most notorious breakup in Spanish sport has not ceased.
The Spanish Carlos Alcaraz, number one in the world, and his coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero, announced the end of their sporting relationship after more than seven years. “It is 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,” the Spanish tennis player wrote on social networks.
Alcaraz and Ferrero made their professional break official one month before the start of a new Grand Slam, the Australian Open, the only one that the Spaniard has not yet achieved and which he faces as a great objective. It will be Samuel López, who already worked with the Murcian and shared technical tasks with Ferrero from Alicante, who will direct the tennis player’s career alone from now on.
A divorce that has caused great discomfort for the technician who has spoken loudly and clearly about what happened in an interview on RNE.
Former tennis player and coach Juan Carlos Ferrero has assured that he is “faithful” to his “values” and that is why There have been “certain things” in the renewal of Carlos Alcaraz’s contract as coach that he has “not” been able to “accept”, in addition to acknowledging that he has not spoken to him since then.
“There are things I can’t accept…”
“I am faithful to my values and thoughts, and that’s it. There are certain things that I have not been able to accept because of how I am, and I am satisfied on that part. On the other hand, for having broken up and for not continuing with Carlos, of course I am not satisfied and happy, it is not what I wanted. Each one is a way and some think in one way and others in others. When this happens, you have to accept it.”He pointed out in an interview with Radiogaceta of the sports of Radio Nacional de España (RNE).
Regarding the breakup between the two, he acknowledged thatand “every day that passes it is assimilated a little more.” “The days go by and despite the sad news for everyone, one gets used to the idea. I am receiving many messages from many people, a lot of support and a lot of encouragement. People have realized the work that has been done, so I am very calm,” he indicated.
“I am very happy with everything that has been achieved, I think it is something out of the ordinary. You already know well what has happened, there is no need to talk much more, it is already known that in the end there has not been an agreement regarding the contract and it has been agreed not to continue. There is no need to talk much more. It’s a surprise for everyone, but we have to accept it,” he said. “The new contract was sent to me and I had to review it. “I did not agree with certain things that were seen in the new contract, I let him know and in the end an agreement was not reached and that’s it,” he added.
The Valencian also highlighted that there is “no problem with the environment” of the Murcian, and insisted that he has not had “any fight throughout the year either with him or with the environment.” “Every year the contract is renewed, there may be some changes. We had always agreed until this year arrived,” he revealed, without wanting to talk about possible clauses. “That’s something private, but no, there weren’t many. That’s between us. The things we don’t agree on have to stay private, and for my part they’re not going to come out,” he said.
“I haven’t spoken to Carlos again…”
On the other hand, Ferrero confessed that he has not spoken with him since they broke off their professional relationship. “At the moment we have not spoken. I think he has to be calm and be able to train and let time pass a little for things to calm down. Later, I will contact him to talk and make sure everything is fine,” he said. “He exudes impressive charisma and has always been very loyal to his team, being very honest. When this happens, we will surely continue talking and remembering many of the things we experienced together. A very important chapter has passed, and you will see how we continue to be friends,” he ventured.
In addition, he stressed that “when relationships are very long, the relationship wears out a little.” “For this reason I also believe that the entry of a second coach was important to refresh ideas and everyone work in the same direction,” he said about the arrival of Samuel López at the time.
In this sense, he did not rule out working with Alcaraz again. “I have already said that I will not close the door. Because of the relationship I have had with Carlos, a resounding no would be something that I do not feel within me. I do not think about that, but closing the door, I will not close it because of the friendship that unites me with him and the entire team,” he stressed. “The responsibility is very high when the expectations are so high. With Carlos there has always been that comparison with Rafa -Nadal- since he was very young, we tried to make him handle it as best as possible and he has handled it very well,” he continued.
He also believes that the breakup will not affect El Palmar. “It is not ideal for something like this to happen, but once it happens, you have to try to get back on track as soon as possible, train as well as possible in the preseason and go with a lot of enthusiasm. On a talent level and mentally, he is more than prepared to be able to win in Australia and I think it is going to be a clear objective. I wish him the best, to go with great enthusiasm, with a lot of strength and to leave what has happened behind him, so that it does not take its toll on him,” he expressed.
Nor does he believe that Alcaraz is going to lose his self-criticism. “I don’t think he’s going to lose it. The people he has around him, from what I know, also tell him things quite clearly. At 22 years old, certain mistakes can be made due to lack of experience, and the people he has around him are quite clear. I know him well and he knows quite well what is good for him and what is not, and I think he is going to take the right path. “He loves to compete, play in tournaments, fight for titles… I’m clear that at the moment it’s not going to happen to him,” he stressed.
A dart to Samu López
In another vein, Ferrero spoke about his relationship with Samuel López. “I want him to remain the same. Since I was 10 years old he has been with me, he has been my coach, I have trained with him and now he has been part of the same team and has worked very well. I would like him to continue in the same way. At first, it is a little difficult to accept that one of your closest people stays on the team, but you have to assimilate it. It will take a little time and from there, everything will be fine,” he said.
And he believes that, for the moment, López can train Alcaraz alone. “Samuel has enough experience to be on his own right now. When time passes and he has been in many tournaments for many weeks in a row without resting, perhaps he will consider himself a new coach. He will go to all the tournaments along with the rest of the team and when he needs some help, I suppose his brother will also travel,” he explained.
Finally, Ferrero ruled out returning to training immediately. “You have to take a little time after seven long years to find enthusiasm and motivation again. For now, I think I’m going to spend time at home and give time to my family,” he concluded.
