“But that change, at this point of his career, I find it mind-boggling" - Todd Woodbridge bemused with Alcaraz-Ferrero split while stating Sinner has the upper ground

The opinions on the seismic news about Carlos Alcaraz and Juan Carlos Ferrero splitting continues to come in. Todd Woodbrisge is the latest to share his two cents on the situation, labelling it as 'mind boggling.'

It is the story of the off-season. Alcaraz and Ferrero has had so much joy together in their seven years together. They first joined together when Alcaraz joined the former French Open champion's tennis academy. He took him under his wing when he was 15-years-old and has overseen the success he has showcased on the court.

The 22-year-old has won six Grand Slams, eight Masters 1000 titles, 24 ATP triumphs and over 50 weeks as world number one and counting with a solid lead over his rival Jannik Sinner. He has become the dominant force on the ATP Tour these past few years, normally the one to beat at any big tennis event and always here or there in the business end of tournaments. It is yet to be seen the effect of this split, but it comes at a bad time with the start of the 2026 season soon coming and subsequently the Australian Open, an event Alcaraz has not had much success in with just the brace of quarter-finals over the past two years.

16-time doubles Grand Slam champion Woodbridge shared his concerns over Alcaraz going into next season without Ferrero in his camp. “I think it’s going to make it very difficult for Carlos to win a major next year — we know he’s good enough,” Woodbridge told The Tennis. “But that change, at this point of his career, I find it mind-boggling."

The rumours have been about a failure to agree a contract for Ferrero to continue, meaning Ferrero leaving was inevitable. The duo's relationship seemed in tact and very positive, but it would not be enough to keep them together, despite what Woodbridge believes.

“We’re talking about one of the greatest duos of coaching partnerships that our game has seen," the Aussie stated. "It would seem from reports that are out there that it wasn’t between the two of them, it was between outside sources and negotiations. And if we’re talking about a bit of money here, or scheduling there, get it right, get it together, and continue with this incredible career.”

The 54-year-old used this case study as to why Sinner is already a step ahead of Alcaraz going into 2026 and the Australian Open. “When Juan Carlos hasn’t been around the last few years, Alcaraz does not play as good, and you can see him looking out into the stands — he’s actually a little unsure of himself, and it’s gonna take months to settle down," he queried. "And then, will he settle? In the meantime, he may give others the opportunity to get some victories. Given that change, I think Jannik has the upper hand and he gets the three-peat.”

Alcaraz and Sinner have enjoyed a thrilling rivalry over the past couple of years. In 2025, they took the next step and completely dominated the big events. They shared all four Grand Slams between them while facing off in the last three finals. While Alcaraz was dominant over the Italian for the majority of the year, losing just once in the Wimbledon final, Sinner has won the last two matchups between them. These came in the Six Kings Slam and the ATP Finals final to defend both of his titles. They will lock horns once more in an exhibition in South Korea on January 10 as they ramp their preparations up towards the Australian Open which will take place from January 18 - February 1.