Alcaraz declined to comment, with media confirming that the split was unrelated to tennis; reporters say he is currently being sought after by five coaches.

The split between men's tennis world No.1 Alcaraz and his distinguished coach Ferrero has sparked widespread controversy, with many fans worried about the young Spanish star's future.

Yet today, Alcaraz showed up in his hometown of Murcia and, as scheduled, invited his friend Cobolli to train alongside him, diligently gearing up for the 2026 season. Notably, after training, Alcaraz was surrounded by the media and questioned about the real reasons behind his split with Ferrero. Facing the cameras, he gave no verbal response, only expressing apology with hands pressed together before driving away, leaving many questions unanswered.

Also today, Spanish media confirmed that the root cause of Alcaraz’s split with Ferrero was due to non-tennis-related reasons.

Reports indicate that in the 2025 season, Ferrero had limited participation in Alcaraz’s tournaments due to his commitments managing his tennis academy, which led to a significant pay cut during contract renegotiations. However, the report emphasizes this was neither the key obstacle to renewing their contract nor the fundamental cause of their separation. The “irreconcilable differences” stemmed from matters unrelated directly to tennis training, hinting at disagreements regarding off-court roles, lifestyle management, or business activities.

According to sources close to the Spanish team, in recent months Alcaraz has shown a desire for greater autonomy in his behavior, while Ferrero preferred stricter adherence to his coaching principles. This strict “control” ultimately made their collaboration unsustainable.

In response, Toni Nadal affirmed this view during an interview with Spanish media, offering a deep and candid perspective:

“I was surprised by their split, but the relationship between coach and player has always been complex, especially in tennis. Players pay, so generally coaches tell them what they want to hear.”

Toni Nadal compared with his own experience: “When I was with Rafa, it was different—I never took payment, so I could speak freely. With Aliassime, the words I said were completely different... I stayed with Rafa so long because I was very cheap.”

He further explained the evolving role of a coach: “A coach is like a parent; after a player turns 18, you can still give advice but cannot impose your will. No matter how great the coach is, you cannot force an adult to follow your will.”

Most online users agreed, with one foreign commenter stating: “I think this marks a new phase in Alcaraz’s career. He has grown from a prodigy into a global superstar, so he now needs a different style of guidance. Ferrero helped him win many Grand Slams, but now he requires more mental space and independence.”

As Alcaraz becomes a free agent, many fans worry about his future situation, but today a Spanish journalist revealed: “More than five coaches have proactively offered to train Alcaraz, including several renowned coaches with Grand Slam experience.”

Although the Spanish journalist did not disclose the specific names, some netizens claim the list includes Djokovic’s former coach Ivanisevic, Spanish star and Davis Cup captain Ferrer, and legend Agassi, though the authenticity remains to be verified.

Currently, Alcaraz’s team has announced that the previous assistant coach Lopez will become his head coach for the 2026 season. Lopez previously coached another Spanish star, Pabusta, and is known for his tactical finesse and excellent communication skills.

“I’m very happy for him because he is a great person and an excellent coach,” said an insider. Apart from Ferrero, the rest of Alcaraz’s team will remain unchanged to ensure a smooth transition.

Alcaraz’s preparations in Murcia seem unaffected by the recent turmoil, with a relaxed atmosphere during training with Cobolli. However, the long-term impact of the coaching change remains to be seen. The new season will immediately test how to inject fresh tactical dimensions without undermining Alcaraz’s talent and passion, while balancing his superstar status with tennis focus.

This split may well be, as Toni Nadal said, a “rite of passage” in the tennis world. Yet, as Alcaraz pursues greater autonomy, he also faces the most critical turning point of his career so far. Tennis fans worldwide are holding their breath to see how the 21-year-old Spanish prodigy will begin his 2026 season. (Source: Tennis Home, Author: Lu Xiaotian)