‘Not a tennis decision’: Speculation simmers over Carlos Alcaraz’s curious split with coach Juan Carlos Ferrero

The returns came as a consequence of discernible improvements made to his already razor-sharp game. His coach, former World No.1 Juan Carlos Ferrero, was duly rewarded for his work with his protégé – whom he began to guide as a young boy – by being adjudged ATP’s coach of the year. But a few days later, he was without a job.

“We have reached the top, and I think that if our sporting paths have to separate it should be from there, from the place we always worked for and aspired to reach,” Alcaraz wrote on social media, announcing the split with Ferrero. “Now is a time of change for both of us, new adventures, new projects.”

Alcaraz’s tribute for his coach late on Wednesday did little to curb the ocean of speculation prompted by the shock split. So instrumental had Ferrero been to his career, and so effective were his inputs even only a few months ago, that the announcement came as a shock to all.

Most recently, Ferrero had overseen an overhaul of Alcaraz’s serve, instilling a smoother motion from toss to strike, giving him more control instead of power. He used it to win the US Open this year, alongside a less error-ridden and more focused baseline strategy – another apparent influence from Ferrero.

The two had been inseparable ever since they began work eight years ago, when Alcaraz was only 14. Ferrero brought the youngster to his academy, which was rising in stature in Spain, after hearing about his talent and seeing it for himself. Since then, he had been part-coach, part father-figure; their deep emotional connection no fabrication, but clearly evident in their public personas and the flowery praise they have often heaped on each other.

Perfect partnership

In many ways, their rise has occurred together. Alcaraz’s status as a world-class player was a credit to Ferrero just as much as the World No.1’s exploits have been key in establishing Ferrero as a genius coach. It was a partnership the latter was keen on continuing.

“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,” Ferrero wrote while announcing the split.

With few reasons shared by either, speculation is rife. Alcaraz has been given the benefit of the doubt; he may be showing the cut-throat edge of a ruthless winner, wanting to work with another coach who may refine specific elements of his game.

But reports have not quite suggested so. According to Spanish newspaper Marca, the rift has come as a result of Ferrero being upset over contract talks. Allegedly, he was given only 48 hours to sign a contract on renegotiated terms that included a deduction in salary.

“The document included several clauses that the Valencian coach considered unacceptable. The financial aspect of the agreement – which included a significant salary reduction – was not a major issue. Other aspects, not directly related to tennis, were,” the newspaper wrote.

Toni Nadal, uncle and former coach of Rafael Nadal, speculated on similar lines. “I think the reason is not about tennis,” he told Spanish radio station Onda Cero. “Relationships between players and their coaches are difficult in all sports, even more so in tennis. The player is the one who is paying, and he’s usually paying to hear what he wants to hear.”

Rifts over contract negotiations are strange; even more so considering the relationship between Alcaraz and Ferrero was far tighter than being merely transactional. But the World No.1 is no stranger to springing surprises. Time will tell if this most curious one reaps the rich dividends he hopes, at such a crucial stage of his career.