Carlos Alcaraz may be entering the most delicate chapter of his young career.
Juan Carlos Ferrero is no longer by his side, and Marion Bartoli revealed why they could join forces again, and rather soon!
After more than seven years, Alcaraz will compete without Juan Carlos Ferrero as his leading coach. They parted ways ahead of 2026, terminating one of the most dynamic player-coach relationships in modern tennis.
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Per Bartoli, the six-time Major winner now faces a period defined by experimentation, adjustment and inevitable scrutiny. The former prosees the next six months as a trial-and-error process, something he is not used to.
Names will surface, every bigger than the previous one, and the tennis world will speculate about who is best suited to guide a generational talent and the GOAT potential.
Coaching a player of Alcaraz's caliber is an opportunity few would refuse. However, chemistry at the highest level is never guaranteed, especially in the early stages.
On the other hand, margins for errors while coaching such an exceptional player barely exist, as even the smallest disconnect can have significant consequences.Then, the story gets even more interesting!
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Marion suggested that Jannik Sinner could mount a massive pressure on his greatest rival if he wins the upcoming two Majors in Melbourne and Paris. The Italian will seek his third straight Australian Open crown in January.
On the other hand, he almost defeated Alcaraz in this year's Roland Garros final, having squandered three match points. Thus, it's realistic to see him claim both titles and join Carlos on six Majors.
Such a shift would dramatically reshape the narrative and forced the Spaniard to chase a rival who thrives on continuity and stability. In that situation, the past may resurface as the safest option and like an ace on a break point.
Ferrero represents familiarity, trust and a proven formula that made Alcaraz the second-youngest winner of six Major titles. His return to Carlos' coaching box would not signal failure but pragmatism.
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If the 22-year-old calls his beloved coach to return, it would be a recognition that some partnerships are too valuable to abandon permanently. At that point, the money talk would be far less significant than it was someten days ago.
For now, Carlos prepares to attack the Australian Open crown alongside Samuel Lopez. As the 2026 unfolds, we will find out if the split was a bold evolution or merely an intermission before a reunion.
"What's going to happen is that for the first six months, it's going to be a trial-and-error process. Names will circulate, and people will wonder who will take the job and who will not.
Of course, to coach a genius like Carlos, he will not face many rejections. If things do not work out with the person he hires for whatever reason, and Jannik wins the opening two Majors of the season, which is realistic he will have to call Juan Carlos back immediately - that's obvious," Marion Bartoli said.
