Alcaraz: No need for undue worry or alarmist talk (Part One)

The 2026 Australian Open starts tomorrow. Spain’s all-rounder and world number one, Alcaraz, is about to play his first match after parting ways with his veteran coach Ferrero, who had worked with him for seven years. The world’s attention is fixed on how Alcaraz will perform, with great anticipation.

On December 17 last year, Alcaraz and Ferrero suddenly posted statements on social media one after another, announcing the end of their seven-year partnership. This shocked fans and media alike, sparking widespread discussion among tennis veterans.

Under the careful guidance of former world number one, 2003 French Open champion, and Spain’s “Mosquito” Ferrero, Alcaraz has won six Grand Slam titles, eight Masters titles, and claimed the year-end world number one ranking twice (in 2022 and 2025). In the recently concluded 2025 season, Alcaraz captured eight titles and reclaimed the top spot in the world rankings, while Ferrero and Samuel López were named ATP Coaches of the Year. The sudden announcement of their split at such a successful time is puzzling and even hard to believe!

Speculations about why they ended their partnership have been rampant. Some believe it was due to serious disagreements over coaching fees; others think Alcaraz’s father intervened directly for branding and commercial reasons; some argue Ferrero’s traditional and strict coaching style clashed with Alcaraz’s philosophy of enjoying tennis and life; others say Ferrero preferred to maintain the status quo while Alcaraz wanted more aggressive breakthroughs, leading to a mismatch in coach-player roles; still others suggest Alcaraz felt Ferrero had taught him all he could and could no longer provide new weapons to defeat strong opponents like Sinner, so he sought new challenges and stimulation, and so on.

Regardless of the reasons behind Alcaraz and Ferrero’s split, fans, media, and tennis experts almost unanimously express concern about Alcaraz’s future.

American tennis legend, former world number one, and four-time Grand Slam champion Andy Roddick said, “Ferrero laid the foundation for Alcaraz’s tactical system and mental strength. He is incredibly important to Alcaraz.”

British tennis veteran Tim Henman stated, “Ferrero’s absence from Alcaraz’s coaching team will have a huge psychological impact and could disrupt his focus on the court. Only time will tell how Alcaraz will overcome this.”

Former American powerhouse and 2003 US Open champion Andy Roddick remarked, “Ferrero is Alcaraz’s spiritual pillar and irreplaceable. The 2026 Australian Open will undoubtedly be even more challenging for Alcaraz’s quest for a career Grand Slam.”

Russian tennis legend and two-time Grand Slam champion Marat Safin commented, “Losing Ferrero’s guidance is a massive blow to Alcaraz. The rough interference by Alcaraz’s father in his career is undoubtedly the biggest mistake.”

Australian doubles legend Todd Woodbridge said, “Without Ferrero’s guidance and support, Alcaraz will need considerable time to adjust. Simply put, losing Ferrero as a pillar means Alcaraz’s performance won’t be as stable as before, giving opponents more chances. Winning a Grand Slam in 2026 will be much harder for him.”

Former French oddball player (noted for double-handed shots on both sides) and 2013 Wimbledon women’s singles champion Marion Bartoli said, “Alcaraz has extraordinary talent, but his consistency and mental state are questionable. After parting with Ferrero, if Alcaraz suffers major setbacks against Sinner in the 2026 season, he might lose motivation and retire early, much like Sweden’s ‘Iceman’ Björn Borg who suddenly quit at 25.”

However, as a devoted fan, I believe that after Alcaraz and Ferrero parted ways, there is no need for unnecessary worries or sensationalism!(Source: Tennis Home, Author: Colorful Fan)