Carlos Alcaraz has made a very courageous decision by parting ways with Juan Carlos Ferrero.
The former world No.1 had followed the young Spanish ace for the past seven years and helped him grow both on and off the court, which is why no one expected their partnership to end after the best season of Carlitos' career.
Last year, the 22-year-old from Murcia had finally found that consistency that he had often lacked in the past and it is no coincidence that he finished 2025 at the top of the ATP rankings with 550 points ahead of his main rival Jannik Sinner.
For the time being, the world number 1 has decided not to replace 'Juanki' and his main coach has become Samuel Lopez (who had joined his team at the beginning of last season). They have worked together during this pre-season and have arrived at Melbourne Park, where the Spanish star is expected by local idol Adam Walton in the first round of the 2026 Australian Open.
Lopez pays tribute to Carlitos
The six-time Grand Slam champion dreams of winning the only Major tournament he still misses, as well as never having made it past the quarterfinals in Australia (he has stopped in the quarterfinals in the last two editions, while in 2023 he had not been able to participate due to injury).
Interviewed by 'MARCA' on the eve of Carlos' debut at the AO, Lopez wanted to praise his player: "There is no other player who has the speed and power of Alcaraz. His ability to accelerate combined with his magic make him a unique player. He does incredible things on the court and assimilates new concepts at an impressive speed."
The No.1 seed wants to complete the 'Career Grand Slam' before turning 23 and this tournament is the only one he misses. His potential path should not hide pitfalls in the first rounds, waiting for a possible clash with a dangerous rival like Alexander Bublik (who started the new season by winning in Hong Kong and entering the Top 10 of the ATP rankings).
