Top experts and insiders are wondering about the impact that the split from Juan Carlos Ferrero could have on Carlos Alcaraz's career.
The former world number one was not only Carlitos' coach for over seven years, but also played a key role in his development off the court, becoming almost like a second father to him. In recent hours, rumors have become increasingly insistent that there were financial reasons behind the parties' decision to end this relationship.
In fact, there had been no signs of this during the season, and the timing of this decision is objectively strange considering that the Australian Open will only start in a month's time. The Happy Slam is one of Carlos' main goals for next season, as it is the only Major tournament he has never won and has never gone beyond the quarterfinals there.
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Carlitos is practicing
The current world number one is training under Samuel Lopez alongside Italian ace Flavio Cobolli, while next week he will train with his compatriot Roberto Bautista Agut.
As in previous years, the 22-year-old from Murcia has decided not to participate in official tournaments before the AO and will only play a few exhibition matches to get back into rhythm. In particular, he will also face his top rival Jannik Sinner in Seoul on January 10, 2026.
Some believe that the decision to part ways with Ferrero will have a very negative impact on Alcaraz's future, while others are more optimistic, such as former world number one doubles player Paul McNamee. Through his official X profile, McNamee expressed a very interesting opinion: "We mustn't forget that Swiss legend Roger Federer won several Grand Slam titles without a coach. Alcaraz is an extremely talented player and his foundation is now solid, so there is no reason to be concerned."
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Only the first few months of the new year will give us the answers to all these doubts. For the time being, his main coach will be Samuel Lopez, who has done an excellent work this year.
