When Carlos Alcaraz shared the news last week, it landed like a thunderclap across the tennis world. After seven formative years, countless milestones, and a journey that took him to the very top of the sport, Alcaraz and Juan Carlos Ferrero were going their separate ways. For a player who has grown up under Ferrero’s guidance, the decision felt abrupt - almost out of character.

Ferrero wasn’t just Alcaraz’s coach. He was the architect behind the Spaniard’s rise, the steady presence who helped mold a teenage prodigy into a world number one. Together, they navigated pressure, expectation, and the relentless grind of the tour. Even while announcing the split, Alcaraz thanked Ferrero “for turning childhood dreams into realities.” However, the interesting part of Ferrero’s farewell note was his claim, “I wish I could have continued.” This statement has sparked quite a lot of buzz in the tennis world, and most of them have been wondering: Why now? Recently, one of Spain’s most decorated champions, Garbine Muguruza, shared her thoughts on this.

The two-time Grand Slam winner and the former world number one recently gave an interview on Spanish radio station El Larguero. Was she surprised by this news? “A lot, a lot. I think everyone [was surprised]. Why? Because Carlos is the world number one, right?” For Muguruza, the timing is what makes the decision so puzzling. Carlos Alcaraz isn’t coming off a slump or a disappointing season. On the contrary, he’s just enjoyed one of the most successful years of his young career. He won 8 titles this season (including two majors) and also won 71 out of his 80 matches in 2025.

“When things are working, you don’t tend to change. So yes, very surprised, eager to know more,” she said. Now, drawing from her own experience, Muguruza explained, “Not that many; I had like three [coaches]… One doesn’t consider changing the team when you feel you need a new voice or things aren’t going well. Wow, I’ve had a weak year; I haven’t achieved good results, I’m losing a lot. Or that coach doesn’t transmit to me what he used to transmit before. I need to close this cycle, look for someone with new ideas.’ But it always comes from a not-so-good moment, not when you’re winning and you’re the world number one. That’s what’s strange; that’s why.”

For now, Carlos Alcaraz has chosen to keep the finer details private, leaving room for curiosity and debate. Whether this bold move proves to be a masterstroke or a risky gamble will only become clear with time. But according to various sources, there were some issues regarding the contract renewal, which ultimately led to this outcome. Sources also suggest that Ferrero’s rapport with Alcaraz’s father had been deteriorating for some time, adding another layer of discomfort to an already delicate situation. Who else reacted to their recent split, though?

Question marks raised over the timing of Carlos Alcaraz’s coaching split

As the tennis world tried to process the announcement, confusion quickly gave way to questions. It’s not about whether Carlos Alcaraz could move on - he’s 22, a multiple-time major champion, and one of the sport’s brightest minds - but why now?

That timing is what immediately raised eyebrows for Aleksander Kovacevic. “What’s weird for me about it is that it happened so late in the pre-season.”

Now, coming to some other reactions, speaking to TennisActu, the former world number 4, Guy Forget, approached the topic from a different angle. He questioned the logic behind this decision. “I would find it a little strange, because today the sums generated by Carlos Alcaraz or Jannik Sinner are so disproportionate that… I mean, a coach like Juan Carlos Ferrero today, I can’t imagine that he couldn’t be paid at his fair value.”

Criticisms also came from well outside the tennis world. On RMC Sport’s Les Grandes Gueules du Sport, former Olympic silver medalist basketballer Frederic Weis didn’t mince words. As per sources, Ferrero was given just two days to read and sign the contract. Reacting to that, Wies said, “What worries me is the ultimatum, the demand to respond within 48 hours. It’s a very peculiar way of treating someone you’ve worked with for seven years. It’s outrageous.”

But is there a chance of Juan Carlos Ferrero getting back to Carlos Alcaraz’s team? Speaking to Corriere dello Sport, another tennis bigwig, Marion Bartoli, said, “if Jannik Sinner wins the first two Grand Slam tournaments of the season – the Australian Open, where Jannik is the clear favorite, and Roland Garros, where he was one step away from victory – then Carlos will quickly call Juan Carlos back.”

Do you also feel the same, though? Share your thoughts in the comment box.

Written by

Sayantan Roy

Sayantan Roy is a seasoned tennis journalist at EssentiallyTennis. He brings a deep tactical understanding to his coverage, breaking down head-to-head records, match dynamics, and on-court strategies with precision. For more than two years, Sayantan has been a key member of the Live Events desk, delivering real-time insights and data-backed predictions for the platform’s Matchday Preview section. His analytical approach has sparked editorial debates and drawn recognition from respected tennis voices, including commentator and analyst Olly_Tennis. Combining his experience in writing with a passion for insightful sports journalism, Sayantan’s work serves as a trusted reference point for tennis fans around the world.

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