"I do not rule out working with Carlos again" - Ferrero confirms money was not reason for departure as he opens up on split from World No.1

Carlos Alcaraz's former coach Juan Carlos Ferrero has broken his silence on his departure from the world number one's camp.

It has been the news of the off-season. Once thought to be an unbreakable relationship between the Spaniards has gone up in smoke. The pair have enjoyed so much success together that it seemed hard to believe that this news was real.

Ferrero began coaching Alcaraz at the age of 15 when he traversed to his academy. Since then, he has overseen the growth of one of the best players in the world. He has won six Grand Slam titles, eight Masters 1000 wins, an Olympic silver medal, a WTA Finals finalist, 50 weeks and counting as world number one and 24 ATP titles won in total - many of them convincingly.

When everything on the outside looked like it was going smoothly, this broke down when turning to the contract. Rumours about a breakdown in their relationship was quickly put to bed, with the duo on very good terms still. In an interview with Marca, he stated that it was contract talks was the reason for the split.

"Everything seemed to be going well. It's true that at the end of a year, certain contract points need to be review," he stated. "And as with any new contract, in preparation for the following year, there were some points on which we did not agree. As with all contracts, there are always differences of opinion."

Alcaraz has bounced back from an unconvincing end to 2024. He was excellent throughout 2025, winning eight titles which included two Grand Slams and three Masters 1000 events. This saw him rise above his arch-rival Jannik Sinner to once more become the world number one. The pair had dominated proceedings on the court, making each other better while doing so. The comradery in the team was excellent throughout, even with the inclusion of Samuel Lopez in the ranks.

"The year was very good in terms of results, and our relationship was excellent throughout the season," Ferrero commented. "We had no arguments. Samuel's arrival brought a breath of fresh air to the team, which allows this collaboration to continue. It was a very good year, and when it ended in Turin, it's true that we were all convinced to continue. Then, things evolved, and we took different paths."

Ferrero was very much onboard in continuing to coach his prodigy, as he voiced that money was not the first thing on his mind. "I have always shown, since my youngest days, that money was not my priority. It was said that I asked for more, and it's true that they have always been very generous, with a very high percentage during my first years of involvement," Ferrero said.

"I am grateful to them for that. Ultimately, I tried to make it clear that money was neither a problem nor the reason for my presence in this project," he continued.

If the opportunity ever arose again, Ferrero was not ruling it out. "I do not rule out working with Carlos again. Given the relationship we have maintained, permanently closing that possibility would not be logical for him or for the team. I hope our collaboration ends on good terms," he said.

Ferrero is leaving Alcaraz to his own space with his team, wishing him the best for what is destined to be a decorated future on the court. "Our disagreements on certain points do not mean we are no longer friends or that we do not maintain excellent relations. I wish Carlos the best, and I believe he has the potential to become the greatest tennis player in history. I have said it many times. And even without me, he is well surrounded and can perfectly prepare for it," he concluded.