"I would have liked Ferrero to have continued" - Toni Nadal offers praise to Carlos Alcaraz's former coach while believing change will not affect world No.1

The tennis world has been sent into overdrive with the news of Carlos Alcaraz splitting with his long-term coach Juan Carlos Ferrero. Many highly regarded tennis figures have come out to have their say on the situation, with Rafael Nadal's former coach Toni Nadal believing that it will not affect Alcaraz when he steps onto the court.

The sudden news came yesterday when the world number one posted a lengthy statement on his Instagram showcasing the news to the world that their long and jubilant partnership had come to an end. So much success was shared between them in their time together.

Ferrero started working with Alcaraz in 2019 when he was just 15-years-old and before he made his Tour debut. He must have seen something special inside of him, and was able to unlock it to make him one of the best tennis players over the last few years.

"Of course it surprised me, especially after such a good season," he stated when speaking to Radioestadio Noche. "The logical thing was to continue, I'm surprised because Alcaraz finishes as number 1 in the world."

It was a fantastic 2025 for the pair. The Spaniard won eight titles, which included two Grand Slam triumphs, and got back to the pinnacle of tennis, climbing above his nemesis Jannik Sinner to sit as world number one.

From what he knew, Nadal believed that the decision was made away from the court, due to a personal matter. "I understand the decision is Carlos's because Ferrero has stated that he wants to continue, so I imagine the decision is not related to tennis."

Nadal gave his insight on coaching. "Relationships in the world of tennis are difficult because the one who pays, who is the player, usually pays to hear what he wants to hear," he commented.

He spent a large chunk of his coaching career over-looking 20-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal, who was his nephew. He admitted that it was easier to tell a family member something, especially if it was something that they were not wanting to hear. "For me it was easy to tell my player things he didn't like to hear because it was different, he was my nephew, it was a different relationship," he said.

"At a tennis level, Carlos must be very satisfied with the work Ferrero has done during all this time," Nadal acknowledged. Overall, the Spanish duo collected six Grand Slams, eight Masters 1000 titles, 24 ATP Tour titles while spending 50 weeks and counting as world number one. Very impressive numbers for someone who is only 22-years-old.

While something behind the scenes was at fault, Nadal admitted that he would have liked the partnership to prolong. "I would have liked Ferrero to have continued because I think he was doing a very good job," he said. "I would have liked them to have been together throughout their careers because I think they both did very well."

Alcaraz will travel to South Korea to compete against Sinner in the Hyundai Card Super Match. The exhibition will prepare Alcaraz for the upcoming Australian Open, commencing from January 18 - February 1. Despite all the commotion, Nadal concluded by assuming that Alcaraz tennis career will not be affected by this change. "I don't think this will affect Alcaraz because he's a very good tennis player."