“I need a little time”: Juan Carlos Ferrero explains why he unfollowed Carlos Alcaraz on social media

Juan Carlos Ferrero has spoken publicly about his relationship with Carlos Alcaraz following their professional separation, explaining why he chose to unfollow the Spanish star on social media. The former world No. 1 coach ended his long-standing partnership with Alcaraz three months ago, bringing to a close one of the most successful player-coach collaborations of recent years.

Ferrero played a key role in Alcaraz’s rise to the top of the ATP Tour. Under his guidance, the Spaniard captured multiple major titles and held the No. 1 ranking in the ATP Rankings. Their partnership was widely credited with shaping Alcaraz’s aggressive style and competitive maturity during his early years on the professional circuit.

Since stepping away from the role, Ferrero has kept a relatively low public profile regarding the separation. However, in a recent appearance on the programme El Cafelito, hosted by journalist Josep Pedrerol, the former French Open champion addressed the situation directly.

Ferrero explained that his decision to stop following Alcaraz on social media was primarily about creating emotional distance after the end of a long working relationship. “I don’t follow him because I need a little bit of time to separate," Ferrero said. "At the same time, if I open Instagram he appears everywhere anyway. In the end, I didn’t achieve anything. You follow tennis accounts and tournaments and he shows up just the same.”

Despite the symbolic nature of the social media move, Ferrero stressed that the decision was not motivated by anger or resentment. Instead, he described it as part of a personal process of adjusting after years spent closely involved in Alcaraz’s career.

The former coach emphasised that he still maintains respect and affection for the player he helped develop into one of the most prominent figures in modern tennis. Ferrero indicated that the relationship remains open to reconciliation once both sides have had time to reflect. “I didn’t do it out of spite. I want to see him and give him a hug.”

Ferrero also acknowledged that their story may not yet be fully closed. He suggested that a conversation between the two could eventually help clarify the situation and restore a sense of normality following the end of their partnership. “To normalise everything that has happened, I think there is still a conversation pending. I would like that.”

For now, Ferrero appears to be taking a step back while allowing time to pass after the separation. Even so, his comments indicate that the door remains open for a future dialogue with Alcaraz, whose career he helped guide through some of its most significant early milestones.

Meanwhile, Alcaraz prepares for his return to the courts at Indian Wells after a perfect start to the season (12–0 record and two titles, including the Australian Open). The Spaniard arrives at Tennis Paradise with the mission of extending his time as world No. 1 and seeking his ninth Masters 1000 title — and a third at Indian Wells, after winning back-to-back titles in 2023 and 2024. His debut will come this Friday against the winner between former world No. 3 Grigor Dimitrov and French player Terence Atmane.