"When things are working, you don't usually change": Ferrero-Alcaraz split was huge surprise for fellow Spaniard Garbine Muguruza

The surprise separation between Juan Carlos Ferrero and Carlos Alcaraz has sent shockwaves through the tennis world, and Garbiñe Muguruza admits she was just as stunned as everyone else.

Speaking on El Larguero on SER Podcast, the former world number one did not hide her disbelief at the timing of the decision, questioning how such a change could come after the most successful season of Alcaraz’s young career.

“I was very surprised, very surprised,” Muguruza said. “I think everyone was, because Carlos is the world number one. What better season can you have than finishing number one, winning eight or ten tournaments and Grand Slams?”

For Muguruza, the logic usually behind coaching changes simply does not apply in this case. "When things are working, you don’t usually change,” she explained. “That’s why it’s so surprising. When a player changes coach, it’s normally because things aren’t going well, when you feel you need a new voice, new ideas or results aren’t coming. Not when you’re winning Slams or you’re number one in the world. That’s what’s strange.”

Without speculating on the reasons behind the split, Muguruza was clear on one point. “That’s why we all understand that it’s an off court issue rather than a sporting one,” she said.

The conversation then shifted to Muguruza’s own next chapter, as she prepares to take on a major leadership role within the sport. From 2026, she will become co director of the Mutua Madrid Open, alongside Feliciano López, a groundbreaking move for a combined ATP and WTA event. “It’s a huge honour for me to be part of this tournament,” Muguruza said. “It’s the only combined tournament we have in Spain, and it’s of massive magnitude. I’m very happy to be joining the team.”

She revealed that the proposal came directly from tournament CEO Gerard Tsobanian and stressed that the role is far from symbolic. “This isn’t a symbolic appointment, it’s strategic,” she said. “It’s about improving the experience for the players, the tournament and the fans. And because it’s a combined event, it also makes sense to have shared leadership.”

Muguruza and López will hold equal status, with a three year agreement already in place covering the 2026, 2027 and 2028 editions. “We’re both co directors, exactly the same role,” she confirmed. “And hopefully more years to come if everything goes well.”

Having recently served as tournament director of the WTA Finals, Muguruza believes she brings valuable perspective into her new role, especially when it comes to understanding player needs.

“What players want most is for you to be present,” she said. “To be visible. To approach them and ask how they’re feeling. How’s the hotel, the transport, do you need anything?”

For Muguruza, leadership means being on the ground rather than stuck in an office.

“It’s not about always being in meetings. It’s about being around, talking to players. They see a familiar face and it’s very natural for me to approach them.”

Muguruza also spoke passionately about what makes the Mutua Madrid Open one of the most attractive tournaments on the calendar.

“It’s always full. The fans want to go. The practice courts are full, the fan zones are full, the VIP areas are full,” she said. “Top players almost always want to play it. Structurally, it’s incredible. Very few tournaments in the world have three roofed courts, and Madrid does.”

However, she acknowledged ongoing debates around the tournament’s extensive VIP areas and the optics of empty boxes during matches.

“That’s something I always noticed as a player,” Muguruza admitted. “Sometimes the VIP boxes are empty because the experience is very attractive. I want to understand better how that works and see how we can make sure they’re not empty. Those are exactly the kinds of things I want to learn more about.”

Looking ahead, Muguruza sees a clear new hierarchy forming in men’s tennis.

“Alcaraz and Sinner are the new rivalry,” she said. “They’re clearly superior. There’s a big difference in pace, power and consistency. Who can be the third one? It’s complicated.”

While she would welcome another challenger emerging, she admitted the gap is significant.

“For us it’s great, because one of them is Spanish. But it would be nice if a third player appeared.”

On the women’s side, Muguruza expects a familiar battle to resume.

“Aryna Sabalenka is the player to beat,” she said. “Despite her aggressive style, she’s very consistent and extremely competitive. And I have a really good feeling about Iga Świątek. I think she’ll come back very strong. Those two are going to be in a lot of finals.”

Away from tennis administration and analysis, Muguruza is also embracing a very different kind of preparation, motherhood. Due at the end of January, she described the experience as transformative.

“It’s an incredible journey. What the female body does is amazing,” she said. “I feel very well and very happy. This is a very special Christmas gift for me.”