Toni Nadal drops bombshell theory behind Alcaraz and Ferrero breakup
A partnership ends at the peak
World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz confirmed this week that he has split from Juan Carlos Ferrero, closing the door on a seven year collaboration that shaped his rise from teenage prospect to global star.
According to reporting by Tennis.com, the announcement followed the most successful season of Alcaraz’s career, one that included two Grand Slam titles and a return to the top of the ATP rankings, all just weeks before the Australian Open.
The timing alone prompted widespread surprise across the sport, with many questioning why such a move would come immediately after a historic year.
Nadal admits he did not see it coming
Speaking in an interview on Spanish radio station Onda Cero, Toni Nadal acknowledged that the decision caught him off guard.
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“It surprised me,” Nadal said. “I wasn’t expecting it, especially after such a great season from both of them. I think the news surprised everyone.”
According to Onda Cero, Nadal drew on his own decades of experience coaching his nephew Rafael Nadal, explaining that player coach relationships in tennis often become more fragile as success grows.
“Relationships between players and their coaches are difficult in all sports, but even more so in tennis,” he said. “The player is the one who is paying, and he’s usually paying to hear what he wants to hear.”
Why Nadal believes it goes beyond tennis
Nadal suggested that the decision likely came from Alcaraz himself, noting that Ferrero had publicly stated he wanted to continue working together.
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“So I think the reason is not about tennis,” Nadal said. “Tennis wise, Alcaraz has to be satisfied with the work Juan Carlos has been doing all this time.”
According to Nadal, these situations often arise as players mature and seek greater independence. He compared Alcaraz’s situation to his own long partnership with Rafael Nadal, which began in early childhood and evolved as Rafa grew into one of the sport’s most dominant figures.
As players gain control over their careers, Nadal explained, the balance of power shifts, sometimes creating tension that has little to do with results on court.
Alcaraz’s path forward after the split
Despite the abrupt ending, Nadal downplayed concerns about Alcaraz’s future prospects.
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“I don’t think this will affect him much,” he said. “Alcaraz is a good player.”
According to Spanish media reports cited by Tennis.com, assistant coach Samuel López is expected to serve as interim head coach. López previously worked with Pablo Carreño Busta from 2015 to 2024, a partnership that produced seven ATP titles and an Olympic bronze medal.
For now, Alcaraz moves on from the most defining coaching relationship of his career, carrying both the success it delivered and the questions its ending has raised.
Sources, Tennis.com, Onda Cero
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