Carlos Alcaraz admits team ‘feels different’ after shock split with Juan Carlos Ferrero: ‘We’re just missing one'

Carlos Alcaraz and Juan Carlos Ferrero parted ways just two weeks before the 2026 season. After Ferrero's departure, Samuel Lopez was promoted as chief coach.

Published on: Mar 6, 2026, 13:21:31 IST

Written by Neelav Chakravarti

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Carlos Alcaraz opened up on his shock split with Juan Carlos Ferrero. Alcaraz and Ferrero split in December last year, ending a seven-year partnership. The partnership was highly successful as Ferrero coached Alcaraz to 24 titles, including six Grand Slam trophies.

Carlos Alcaraz spoke about his split with Juan Carlos Ferrero. (Instagram)

Fererro was with Alcaraz when he turned professional at 15. Ferrero blamed the split on the people around Alcaraz, stating that they gave him poor advice. Ferrero also revealed that there was a contract dispute.

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‘We’re just missing one… it feels a little bit different': Carlos Alcaraz

Speaking to Eurosport, Alcaraz said, "I would say it is what it is. Obviously, I wouldn’t say it’s a new team. It’s mostly the same members; we just restructured a little bit. The members are the same as before; we’re just missing one. Every time I come back to a tournament I played last year, it feels a little bit different. You can feel it a bit, but we try to feel as comfortable as possible on and off the court."

Alcaraz hasn't spoken much about the split. On the other hand, Ferrero has appeared in multiple interviews and has shared his side of the story. In a recent appearance on El Cafelito de Josep Pedrerol, Ferrero spoke about his decision to unfollow Alcaraz on social media after his Australian Open 2026 victory.

"I don’t follow him because I need a little time. Just to create some distance. At the same time, if I open Instagram he appears everywhere anyway. I didn’t really achieve anything by doing it. I follow tennis accounts and tournaments and it still shows up. I didn’t do it out of spite, not at all," he said.

The split between the pair came out of the blue, surprising fans and experts. The pair parted ways just two weeks before the 2026 season. After Ferrero's departure, Samuel Lopez was promoted as chief coach. Lopez has been part of Alcaraz's team since 2024.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Neelav Chakravarti
Neelav Chakravarti has been part of the digital sports team at Hindustan Times since 2022, where he covers a wide range of disciplines, including chess, cricket, football, and Olympic sports. Working in a fast-paced digital newsroom, he regularly handles live blogs, breaking updates, and trending stories, combining speed with clarity to keep readers informed in real time. Chess remains both a professional beat and a personal passion for Neelav, and he closely tracks major international tournaments, player narratives, and emerging talents. He is particularly fascinated by the patience, calculation, and strategic depth the game demands, often exploring the psychological side of competition in his writing. Beyond sports journalism, Neelav has a deep interest in visual storytelling and filmmaking, actively participating in film festivals and engaging with independent cinema. He is especially drawn to films that capture the subtleties of everyday life and human relationships, appreciating storytelling that balances realism with emotional depth. This creative interest complements his approach to sports coverage, where he enjoys highlighting the human stories behind performances and results. A history enthusiast by academic training, Neelav holds a bachelor’s degree in the subject and maintains a sustained interest in ancient and medieval Indian history, particularly in cultural and social transitions across eras. His curiosity about the past often shapes his perspective on contemporary narratives and long-form storytelling. When he isn’t tracking scores or developing storylines, Neelav enjoys spending time over the chessboard, relaxing with his cats, or listening to the Empire podcast by Anita Anand and William Dalrymple. He also enjoys reading long-form sports writing that explores the emotional and cultural layers of sport, while maintaining a quiet routine that balances reading, reflection, and occasional time with friends.Read More

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