Carlos Alcaraz will start the new season without Juan Carlos Ferrero in his box for the first time in years.
Their sudden split continues to ripple through the tennis world, and Garbine Muguruza sparked another debate.
Mais momentos do treinamento de hoje de Alcaraz.
📽️ ferrerillo9 pic.twitter.com/ZpiPgXX5Ej
— Alcaraz Brasil (@carlosalcarazbr) December 23, 2025
Former Roland Garros and Wimbledon champion questioned the timing of their surprising decision to part ways, with Alcaraz embracing his career-best season and adding more Majors to his tally.
From a purely sporting perspective, the Spaniard appeared to be standing on unshakable ground. He finished the year at the top, defending the throne from Jannik Sinner and standing as the second-youngest winner of six Major titles.
In addition, the 22-year-old stood as the dominant figure between April and October, reaching nine straight finals and lifting seven trophies, including five big ones. With confidence visibly overflowing, everything pointed toward continuity rather than change.
Juan Carlos Ferrero & Carlos Alcaraz, Roland Garros 2025© Stream screenshot
However, Alcaraz and Ferrero shocked the tennis world after announcing their split after more than seven years. With an incredible season behind them, that's what makes the separation so puzzling.
Coaching switches in tennis often follow periods of stagnation, frustration or decline – not moments when a player is thriving. Carlos and Juan Carlos seemed to represent the ideal balance of trust, structure and freedom.
Now, it's all gone, likely thanks to the efforts of the young gun's family to turn the page and continue without a man who gave him so much and created an ultimate champion respected on and off the court.
The move has therefore raised more questions than answers. Is it about some kind of long-term vision or behind the scenes dynamics? We are yet to find out.
Carlos Alcaraz, Roland Garros 2025© Stream screenshot
Garbine's reaction mirrors curiosity mixed with disbelief. After all, when success is flowing, stability is usually prized and cherished. Carlos steps into a new chapter in 2026, sailing through uncharted waters without the most trusted person in his coaching box.
On the other hand, the tennis world remains eager to understand why change felt necessary, and who or what caused it when everything appeared to be going perfectly, at least on the surface.
The Spaniard will compete at the Australian Open with Samuel Lopez as his coach, if he does not change that in the upcoming weeks and bring some other big name to his coaching staff.
"Their split surprised me a lot, like everyone else. Carlos is the world's best player, and his season could hardly been better. He claimed two Major titles and eight or ten tournaments in total.
It's strange to make a change at such a favorable time. When things are going well, you tend not to change. I would love to find out more," Garbine Muguruza said.
