Toni Nadal says he was surprised on Carlos Alcaraz’s decision of parting ways with childhood coach Juan Carlos Ferrero: ‘I think the reason is not about tennis…’

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Alcaraz Carlos Alcaraz in action. (FILE photo)

Earlier in the week, after seven years, Carlos Alcaraz decided to part ways with his childhood coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero. It was a tenure when Alacaraz had seen immense success already and was earmarked to be one of the tennis greats. With Ferrero as the coach, Alcaraz has won two French Open Titles, two Wimbledon Crowns and two US Opens.

“After more than seven years together, Juanki and I have decided to bring our chapter together as coach and player to an end,” the 22-year-old Alcaraz wrote on his Social media account. “Thank you for turning childhood dreams into reality. We started this journey when I was barely a kid, and throughout all this time, you’ve accompanied me on an incredible journey, on and off the court. I’ve enjoyed every single step with you immensely.”

Former Rafael Nadal’s uncle cum coach Toni Nadal too gave his view on the matter. He said: “It surprised me,” Nadal said, speaking to Spanish radio on Onda Cero. “I wasn’t expecting it, especially after such a great season from both of them, with Carlos finishing as world No. 1 and winning two Grand Slams. I think (the news) surprised everyone.”

“Relationships between players and their coaches are difficult in all sports, but even more so in tennis,” he explained. “The player is the one who is paying, and he’s usually paying to hear what he wants to hear.”

“It seems to me like it was Alcaraz who made the decision, because Ferrero made a statement saying he had wanted to continue,” Nadal added. “So I think the reason is not about tennis. I’m not sure if it could be about finances, I imagine it’s not, so it has to be a reason that goes beyond tennis.

“I don’t think it was a tennis issue, because tennis-wise, Alcaraz has to be satisfied with the work Juan Carlos has been doing all this time.”

Nadal also conceded that he would like to see Ferrero to continue as the coach of Alcaraz: “I would have loved for Juan Carlos would have stayed all his career,” Nadal said. “He’s done a great job with Alcaraz… But when a player makes a decision like that, there must be a reason.

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“But I don’t think this will affect him much, because Alcaraz is a good player.”

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