Even though their separation was announced over three months ago, Juan Carlos Ferrero’s recent media appearances have kept his departure from Carlos Alcaraz’s team a prominent topic in tennis discussions, particularly concerning the upcoming 2026 season.
Ferrero recently elaborated on the circumstances leading to the unexpected breakdown of his partnership with Alcaraz during an extensive interview on Josep Pedrerol’s podcast, “El Cafelito.”
Ferrero Suggests Family Influence in Alcaraz Team Separation
While refraining from naming names, Ferrero strongly implied that individuals close to Alcaraz, including family members, contributed to the decision to part ways amidst growing tensions, a sentiment previously reported.
Ferrero repeatedly expressed openness to reconciling with Alcaraz or even coaching him again. The former world No. 1 conveyed a desire to embrace Alcaraz and described feeling a bittersweet emotion when witnessing Alcaraz’s successes and media presence on social media.
Alcaraz Prioritizes Forward Momentum
In contrast to Ferrero’s frequent interviews regarding their separation, Alcaraz has clearly transitioned past that period. He has largely refrained from discussing the matter during tournament press conferences, believing his initial, heartfelt social media announcement sufficiently covered the topic.
Nevertheless, Alcaraz maintained a confident stance when questioned about approaching Indian Wells — a tournament where he’s achieved notable success — without Ferrero.
“I would simply say, it is what it is. It’s not a completely new team; primarily, it consists of the same individuals, just slightly restructured. We’re missing one member, but the core group remains. Returning to tournaments I played last year naturally feels somewhat different. While you sense that change, we strive to maintain maximum comfort both on and off the court.”
Continuity in Alcaraz’s Support Team
Following Ferrero’s exit, Alcaraz opted not to add a new member but instead promoted Samuel Lopez, a long-term collaborator, to head coach. This internal continuity, coupled with an expanded role for his brother, Alvaro Alcaraz, has facilitated a remarkably smooth transition.
His recent performance certainly validates this approach. Alcaraz boasts a 12-0 start to the season and heads into Indian Wells aiming for his third title at the event, further enhancing his rapidly expanding list of accomplishments.