World No.1 Carlos Alcaraz announces sudden surprise split from Juan Carlos Ferrero after seven years

Carlos Alcaraz has announced some surprising news on Wednesday afternoon with the World No.1 splitting from his long-time coach Juan Carlos Ferrero mere days after the team of the latter and Samuel Lopez were confirmed as Coach of the Year.

It was a standout season for Alcaraz who became Year End No.1 for the second time, he won 71 out of his 80 matches this year and scooped eight titles from 11 tournaments.

With Alcaraz, Ferrero anchored him to two French Open titles, two US Open wins of which he won one of each this year as well as Wimbledon twice. Lopez was brought on board this year after a long stint coaching Pablo Carreno Busta seemingly in a route to try and mirror the success that his great rival Jannik Sinner has with Darren Cahill and Simone Vagnozzi.

But while Cahill stays on in the Sinner camp despite retirement being mooted, the same cannot be said for Ferrero surprisingly with Alcaraz with a statement confirming their split on Wednesday. Interestingly Lopez was not mentioned in said statement meaning that potentially given he was brought in as a separate entity all roads point to him potentially bringing him in as his Head Coach.

Often Lopez would travel with Alcaraz especially to tournaments Ferrero couldn't attend due to his own personal surgeries and other commitments so it perhaps is the next move or he might go rogue and hire someone else. In a bid to become the imperious men's tennis star, whether or not it will backfire is another matter but it is certainly an intriguing move.

"It is very difficult for me to write this post... After more than seven years together, Juanki and I have decided to end our time together as coach and player," he wrote on Instagram.

"Thank you for making my childhood dreams come true. We started this journey when I was just a kid, and throughout this time you have accompanied me on an incredible journey, both on and off the court. And I have thoroughly enjoyed every step of the way with you.

"We have managed to reach the top, and I feel that if our sporting paths had to part, it should be from up there. From the place we always worked towards and always aspired to reach.

"So many memories come to mind that it would be unfair to choose just one. You have made me grow as an athlete, but above all as a person. And something I value greatly: I have enjoyed the process. I will remember that, the journey we have taken together.

"Now times of change are coming for both of us, new adventures and new projects. But I am certain that we will face them in the right way, giving our best, as we have always done. Always adding value.

"I wish you all the best in everything that lies ahead. I am left with the peace of mind of knowing that we have given our all, that we have made everything available to each other. Thank you for everything, Juanki!"

Their partnership began when Alcaraz was 15 and was an immediate success. He was nominated for Coach of the Year three years in a row sealing it in 2022. In 2023, he said he considered Ferrero as a second father. In their seven year stint, it included 24 tournament wins, six Grand Slam titles and their training base has been at Ferrero's academy in Alicante meaning Alcaraz likely faces a winter of overhaul ahead of a busy time in which he will aim to win the Australian Open finally in January.