“We have not spoken yet”: Ferrero explains silence with Carlos Alcaraz after split

Juan Carlos Ferrero addressed the separation from world No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz nearly two weeks after the news shook the off-season. The former French Open champion coached Alcaraz since his junior years, but contractual disagreements led them to not renew their contract.

There has been various speculation regarding the reasons for the split, although Ferrero had already clarified that it was not a monetary issue. According to reports, the separation was primarily due to contractual disagreements, ending a relationship in which Alcaraz won 24 titles, including 6 Grand Slam titles.

The Spanish coach gave a new interview, this time with the program Radiogaceta de los Deportes on RNE, where he once again addressed the reasons for the contractual termination. "Each day that passes, it is assimilated a little more. Despite the sad news for everyone, one gets used to the idea," Ferrero commented. "It is a surprise for everyone, but it must be accepted as soon as possible. I am receiving many messages of support. I think people have realized the work that has been done and the legacy that is left. In that regard, I feel very calm and surprised."

Ferrero added that the final decision was made due to contract disagreements and in a non-personally manner. "I was not satisfied with some things that were seen in the new contract, I made it known and we did not reach an agreement. I am faithful to my values and thoughts. There are certain things that I have not been able to accept just as I am. I am satisfied in that part, but not for having broken with Carlos because it was not what I wanted."

The coach did not imagine that the last tournament they would contest together would be the ATP Finals, where the world No. 1 fell in the final against Jannik Sinner. "I did not expect it. The year had gone very well. I did not have any fight with him or his environment. Each year the contract is renewed, there can be some changes and we had always reached an agreement until now."

Furthermore, he assured that he has not spoken directly with Alcaraz after the end of the contract. "At the moment we have not spoken. He has to be calm, let some time pass and be able to train so that things settle down. Later on, I will get in touch with him to talk and ensure everything is absolutely fine."

The former world No. 1 was the head coach for Alcaraz since the beginning of his career, but in the last year Samuel Lopez joined, who arrived to give a breath of fresh air during 2025 and emerges as the head coach for Alcaraz during the next season.

"When relationships are very long, the relationship wears down a little bit, that is why the entry of Samu was important to refresh ideas and go in the same direction," Ferrero commented. "Those rest weeks in which Samu went allowed everything to air out, I would return with a lot of strength and it was also good for Carlos."

"I want the relationship with Samu to remain the same. It is true that at the beginning it is a little hard to assimilate that one of your closest people stays on the team. It will take a little time and from there everything will continue well. He has enough experience to be alone with Carlos. Perhaps when some time passes and he spends many weeks in a row, they might consider that another new coach should join the team so that he can also catch his breath."

Alcaraz currently continues working in the pre-season in Murcia along with Samuel Lopez, and will travel directly to Melbourne to compete in the first major of the year at the Australian Open, where the Spaniard will seek to become the youngest player in history to complete the career Grand Slam.