Carlos Alcaraz held pre-Australian Open press conference on Friday.
He addressed his split with Juan Carlos Ferrero, offering clarity and calm around their separation after seven years.
Alcaraz hits an INSANE forehand passing shot against Alex de Minaur ahead of the Australian Open
Flick of the wrist. 🤯
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) January 15, 2026
Rather than framing it as a rupture, world no. 1 emphasized that the decision was reached together, following internal discussion within his camp and family.
Alcaraz explained that his current setup closely mirrors last year's structure, although without one (the biggest) name. It's a continuity that has helped him feel confident and settled heading into Melbourne, the last missing Major in his collection.
The off-season went smoothly, and the six-time Major champion made it clear he feels fully supported by the team that will lead him at the Australian Open. Carlos acknowledged the importance of Juan Carlos in shaping his career and identity.
Carlos Alcaraz, Australian Open 2026© Stream screenshot
The former world no. 1 refused big names to coach the 15-year-old, firmly believing in his abilities. What they achieved together is nothing short of remarkable, with the El Palmar native becoming the youngest world no. 1 and the second-youngest six-time Major winner.
Their seven-year collaboration laid the foundation for his rise to the top of the sport. Alcaraz was keen to stress that respect and friendship remain intact despite the professional change.
They closed the chapter by mutual agreement. The 22-year-old prepares to start the season focused on the future rather than examining the past. He is free of tension and full of belief ahead of the first Major of the season.
With Samuel Lopez as his coach, the Spaniard will seek his first trophy at Melbourne Park. If he collects it, he will write history books as the youngest player with a Career Grand Slam.
He will chase a Major crown without Ferrero for the first time, and he seems ready to accomplish that.
Roland Garros 2025© Stream screenshot
"I have built my team, which is practically the same one I had last year. Juan Carlos and I made this decision together. I have complete confidence in the team I have around me right now. As I said, training has gone great.
I feel very good, and I'm looking forward to this tournament starting with the team I have with me right now. It's something we simply decided, and that's how it happened. It's a chapter of my life whose end had to come now.
We decided it this way. I have to say that I'm truly grateful for the seven years I spent with Juan Carlos. I learned so much. I'm certainly the player I am today thanks to him. Internally, however, we decided this way.
We closed this chapter mutually. We remain friends and have a good relationship, but we decided it this way," Carlos Alcaraz said.
