Tennis star Carlos Alcaraz has been criticised over reports of a 48-hour ultimatum given to long-time coach Juan Carlos Ferrero before their split
Carlos Alcaraz has faced backlash for his decision to part ways with long-standing coach Juan Carlos Ferrero. The pair, who have worked together for seven years, announced their split earlier this week.
During their partnership, Alcaraz clinched 24 titles, including six majors, and currently holds the world number one spot. Hence, the separation came as a surprise to the tennis community, sparking widespread debate.
According to CLAY, there are rumours that Ferrero was given just two days to review and sign a new contract. He is said to have made a counteroffer which was rejected.
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The same outlet also suggests that there were ‘major disagreements’ between Ferrero and Alcaraz’s father over the player’s career. In a poignant social media post, Ferrero expressed his regret over the situation, stating:
“I wish I could have continued. I am convinced that good memories and good people always find a way to cross paths again. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
Former French basketball player Frederic Weis has now criticised Alcaraz for his actions. Speaking on RMC Sport’s Les Grandes Gueules du Sport, the Olympic silver medallist voiced his concerns: “What worries me is the ultimatum, the demand to respond within 48 hours,” he said.
“It’s a very peculiar way of treating someone you’ve worked with for seven years. It’s outrageous.”
Alcaraz is now on the hunt for a potential long-term replacement, while Samuel Lopez will remain with the team and take charge of the upcoming Australian Open. Reports suggest that Lopez will step up as the new head coach for the 2026 season, after Alcaraz declined offers from over five other coaches.
It comes as former Grand Slam champion Marion Bartoli has issued a cautionary note to the world number one, drawing parallels with the early retirement of Bjorn Borg.
“I am worried – but in a measured way – because he is someone who has exceptional qualities to begin with,” she stated.
“But he needs structure because otherwise he could end up quitting tennis like [Bjorn] Borg did at 25. And we have a genius here, so we don’t want that – we want him to continue for a very, very long time.”
She added: “What’s going to happen is that for the first six months, it’s going to be a trial-and-error process.
“There will be names circulating, people wondering who will take the job, who won’t. Of course, to coach a genius like Alcaraz, he’s not going to face many rejections.”
