Carlos Alcaraz’s decision to part ways with longtime coach Juan Carlos Ferrero in December 2025 stunned the tennis world. The pair had worked together since Alcaraz was just 15, building one of the most successful coach-player partnerships in recent years. Under Ferrero’s guidance, the Spaniard won six of his seven Grand Slam titles and rose to World No. 1.

Despite the split, Alcaraz continued his remarkable momentum. He played his first Major without Ferrero at the 2026 Australian Open and lifted the trophy after defeating Novak Djokovic in the final, becoming the youngest man in history to complete the Career Grand Slam. Now, Ferrero has opened up about a curious detail that caught fans’ attention - why he no longer follows Alcaraz on social media. Speaking to journalist Josep Pedrerol on the program El Cafelito, the former French Open champion revealed that he needed some time and distance after their long partnership ended.

“I don’t follow him because I need a little time, to separate myself from him,” Ferrero explained. “Besides, if I look at Instagram, he pops up everywhere. In the end, I haven't achieved anything. You follow tennis accounts and tournament accounts, and it’s the same.”

Ferrero insisted the decision wasn’t driven by any resentment. Instead, he described it as a personal step to process the end of a relationship that had defined much of his recent career.

“I didn’t do it out of spite. I want to see him and give him a hug. To normalize everything that's happened, I think we still need to have a conversation. I'd like that,” Ferrero added.

Juan Carlos Ferrero played a pivotal role in shaping Alcaraz’s rise to the top of the ATP Tour. Under his mentorship, the Spaniard developed into one of the most complete players on the circuit, combining explosive athleticism with tactical maturity. Their partnership was widely credited with molding Carlos Alcaraz’s aggressive playing style and competitive mindset during his early years on the professional stage.

Since stepping away from the role, Ferrero has largely maintained a low profile regarding the split. However, his recent appearance on El Cafelito offered rare insight into his perspective on the separation and his current relationship with the World No. 1. For now, Ferrero appears to be taking a step back while allowing time to pass after the end of their partnership. Yet his comments suggest the door remains open for a future conversation with Alcaraz, whose career he helped guide through some of its most important milestones.

Meanwhile, Carlos Alcaraz arrives at Indian Wells riding the best start to a season of his career. The Spaniard holds a perfect 12–0 record in 2026, having already captured two titles - including the Australian Open and the ATP 500 Qatar Open. What does he have to say about his incredible start in this season?

Carlos Alcaraz shares thoughts on his dream start in 2026

Carlos Alcaraz has enjoyed a flawless start to the 2026 season, and the World No. 1 is now looking to carry that momentum into Indian Wells. Arriving at Tennis Paradise with a 12–0 record, the Spaniard is chasing his ninth Masters 1000 title and a third BNP Paribas Open crown after triumphs in 2023 and 2024

Turning professional in 2018, Alcaraz has registered the best start to a season in his career this year. The Spaniard already captured two titles, including the Australian Open, and appears to be in formidable form heading into the first Masters 1000 event of the season.

Speaking ahead of his opening match at Indian Wells, Alcaraz credited improved emotional control as the key reason behind his impressive run. “I think on the court, I control my emotions even better. I would say that was the key of the good level of tennis that I have been playing lately,” Alcaraz said in his press conference, via the ATP Tour.

The Spaniard explained that staying calm during difficult moments has allowed him to regain control during matches. “Because on the court, I just control myself, and in a calm place, I can find the solutions,” he added. “When I was getting mad or when I was playing bad or whatever, I just found the right way again, because I was calm.”

With 12 consecutive victories to begin the season, Carlos Alcaraz was also asked about Novak Djokovic’s historic 41-match winning streak to start a year - a record set in 2011. “Yeah, obviously I know that 41, Novak, holds the record,” Alcaraz said with a smile. “You don't realize how difficult it is until you're chasing that.” The Spaniard admitted that while the number may initially seem achievable, the reality becomes clearer once the winning streak begins to grow.

“You think, all right, 41, it’s not that much. But then you're like 12 on, and it's like four or five more tournaments, the biggest tournaments in the world,” he said. “You realize how impressive it is.” Despite the challenge, Alcaraz expressed pride in his start to the season and hopes to extend his run.

“I’m really proud about my start of the year. Hopefully the winning streak continues, or I will try that, but I’m just happy to see myself playing great tennis,” he added. At Indian Wells, the Spaniard will begin his campaign in the Round of 64, where he will face either former World No. 3 Grigor Dimitrov or French player Terence Atmane on Saturday, March 7.

If Alcaraz progresses, the path only gets tougher. A potential third-round clash could come against Arthur Rinderknech or Botic van de Zandschulp. In the fourth round, he may face 13th seed Casper Ruud or 24th seed Valentin Vacherot. The quarterfinal stage could present another stern test with possible opponents including sixth seed Alex de Minaur, tenth seed Alexander Bublik, or 20th seed Flavio Cobolli.

Should Alcaraz reach the final four, he may find himself facing some familiar rivals. Third seed Novak Djokovic, seventh seed Taylor Fritz, or 11th seed Daniil Medvedev are all projected semifinal opponents. And if the Spaniard reaches the championship match, a blockbuster showdown could await against top seed Jannik Sinner or fourth seed Alexander Zverev.

For now, though, Carlos Alcaraz remains focused on maintaining the calm mindset that has powered his dream start to 2026 - one match at a time in the California desert. Do you think Carlitos has a good chance of winning the title at Indian Wells this year?

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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