Alcaraz and Ferrero could not escape the seven-year itch breakup; netizens say only Ferrer dares to coach the Spaniard.

After Ferrero won the 2025 ATP Coach of the Year award, no one foresaw that this would be the most honorable "parting gift" indirectly presented to him by his disciple Alcaraz through excellent court achievements.

When Alcaraz officially announced his separation from mentor Ferrero via his personal social media, it immediately ignited widespread discussion.

"Thank you for making my childhood dreams come true one by one. When we first set out on this path, I was just a rookie. Over these years, both on and off the court, you have accompanied me through an unforgettable journey. Every step with you has filled me with joy." Alcaraz’s farewell note was heartfelt and full of gratitude toward Ferrero. Especially one passage vividly depicted their journey from nothing to everything, moving readers deeply and evoking strong emotions.

Seven years ago, Ferrero noticed the young Alcaraz and highly praised this swift-moving teenager, firmly believing that together they could create a new era.

The subsequent results proved that Alcaraz did not disappoint. Particularly after losing to his compatriot elder Nadal, it fueled the duo’s determination to strive harder.

Under Ferrero’s guidance, Alcaraz grew physically stronger, prompting fans and netizens to exclaim, "This kid looks fierce." In 2022, the young Spaniard boldly declared his ambition to win a Grand Slam and become world number one for the first time publicly.

Facing some skepticism and ridicule from the public, Ferrero firmly supported Alcaraz, never doubting his protégé’s ability despite the external turbulence. It wasn’t until Alcaraz won the US Open final against Ruud and reached world number one, setting multiple records, that many realized Spain owed him an apology and should never have underestimated him.

Filling the Grand Slam void, Alcaraz and Ferrero grew stronger with every battle. By the end of the 2025 season, their partnership had secured six Grand Slam titles, cementing Alcaraz as the leading post-2000 Spanish player.

Recalling last year when Ferrero spoke about coaching Alcaraz for at least ten years and the Spaniard’s outstanding 2025 season, many anticipated whether the pair could achieve a career Grand Slam together next year. Some even said that given the current situation, Ferrero would likely coach Alcaraz until his retirement.

But no one expected their collaboration to end just as it reached its seventh year, ultimately succumbing to the "seven-year itch."

"Knowing that we have given our all without holding back, I have no regrets." Although Alcaraz did not specify the exact reason for their split, this final sentence in his farewell note hinted that Ferrero had little left to teach him, making this the right time to end their partnership.

In fact, as early as this year’s Australian Open quarterfinals, when Alcaraz lost to an injured Djokovic, some fans and netizens believed the Spaniard should part ways with Ferrero and find a new coach to break through in Melbourne and achieve a career Grand Slam.

It was expected that Alcaraz’s later victories at the French Open and US Open would silence those voices, but unexpectedly, the Spaniard still chose to end his cooperation with Ferrero, fulfilling some fans’ and netizens’ wishes.

However, when the day finally came and Alcaraz personally said "goodbye" to his mentor Ferrero, the atmosphere was filled with sadness, deeply mourning the end of their seven-year collaboration.

"The laughter, overcoming challenges side by side, heartfelt talks, helping hands in tough times, and the satisfaction of being part of this unique journey." Ferrero, reflecting on his time with Alcaraz, shared many unforgettable moments that were just as touching as Alcaraz’s farewell note, moving many to tears.

With Ferrero gone, who will become Alcaraz’s new coach? Everyone is waiting for the Spaniard to announce the answer. Some say that considering Alcaraz’s current achievements and ongoing rise, coaching him will be a huge challenge, requiring great courage to take on this young Spaniard aiming to rival the Big Three. "Looking across the tennis world, it seems only Federer and Nadal could do it!"(Source: Tennis Home, Author: Moonriver’s Starry Sky)