A few weeks before the 2026 Australian Open, Carlos Alcaraz stunned the tennis world by announcing his break up with longtime coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero.
With Ferrero, Alcaraz won six Grand Slam titles and became the No. 1 ranked men’s player in the world. Alcaraz didn’t give a reason for the split, but Ferrero said the move stemmed from a contractual dispute.
The Australian Open marks Alcaraz’s first tournament with Samuel Lopez as the superstar’s head coach. The 22-year-old looks continues to dominate with Lopez, who’s been on his team since 2024. If Alcaraz defeats Novak Djokovic in the final on February 1, he’ll become the youngest man to ever complete a career Grand Slam.
Before the Australian Open kicked off, Alcaraz shared a statement on working with Lopez. “I’m just having plenty of confidence in the team that I have right now. The practices have gone really well. I’m just feeling well. So I’m just excited about the tournament to begin with the team that I have right now.”
GettyCarlos Alcaraz of Spain and his coach Samuel Lopez as he trains in preparation for the Australian Open 2026.
Alcaraz also downplayed the notion of there being a huge shift with Ferrero gone. “I have the same team that I had last year. Just one member missing. So we didn’t change the routine at all. We just going through the preseason and the season in the same way, probably with the improvement that I really want to do.”
While Alcaraz is focused on making history at the Australian Open, Ferrero made an unexpected new career announcement.
Carlos Alcaraz’s Ex-Coach Left Tennis to Join Golfer Angel Ayora’s Team
GettyFormer coach of Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz, Juan Carlos Ferrero, is leaving the tennis world
Amid Alcaraz’s march toward the final at Melbourne Park, Ferrero revealed he’s leaving the tennis world altogether to work with Angel Ayora, a professional golfer.
Ferrero posted on Instagram, “Excited to announce a new professional collaboration for 2026!.. We’ll be working together on the mental side of performance and professional development. Tennis is my life, and I’ll continue giving my all at the Academy and on the circuit.
“However, golf also excites me — it’s an individual sport where the mental aspect plays a crucial role.
“I’m delighted to be able to contribute my experience and support Ángel’s growth on the circuit. We’ve already started, highly motivated and looking forward to continuing this journey. 💪⛳.”
The breakup with Alcaraz was not easy for Ferrero, who thought of the tennis phenom as his “fourth child,” per the BBC. “I wish I could have continued,” he added. “I am convinced that good memories and good people always find a way to cross paths again.”
Carlos Alcaraz Thanked Juan Carlos Ferrero For Making Him ‘The Player That I Am Right Now’
Alcaraz sent a message to Ferrero while speaking to reporters at the Australian Open. “I’ve got to say that I’m really grateful for this seven years I’ve been with Juan Carlos. I learned a lot. Probably thanks to him I’m the player that I am right now.”
Alcaraz previously shared a statement on Ferrero’s departure in December: “Thank you for turning childhood dreams into realities. We started this journey when I was barely a kid, and throughout all this time you’ve accompanied me on an incredible journey, on and off the court. I’ve enjoyed every step of it so much with you.”
For Ferrero, it’s difficult watching Alcaraz play in the Australian Open and not be a part of the team. “It is not easy what it feels like,” he told TenGolf earlier this week. “I’m happy with how he’s playing and the fact that he hasn’t lost a set in the competition yet. He is at a great level, congratulations, and may he continue at his best.
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