Carlos Alcaraz dad dragged into Ferrero split as issues come to light | Tennis | Sport
Carlos Alcaraz and his coach of seven years, Juan Carlos Ferrero, rocked the tennis world on Wednesday when they announced their split. Ferrero, himself a former world No. 1 and Grand Slam champion, started coaching Alcaraz when the Spaniard was just 15 years old. With Ferrero’s help, Alcaraz went on to win 24 titles, including six Majors, and has spent 50 weeks and counting as the world No. 1.
So their decision to part ways came as a huge shock, especially because Ferrero hinted that it wasn’t his decision. “I wish I could have continued,” the retired tennis star-turned-coach wrote in an emotional statement. It has sparked speculation about the reason for their split, and one of Alcaraz’s childhood coaches has suggested that his father, Carlos Alcaraz Senior, may be involved.
Speaking on RNE Deportes, journalist Javier de Diego stated that disagreements arose during the negotiation of Ferrero’s new contract, leading to their split. “The decision is sudden. It was made two days ago in the middle of negotiations for Ferrero’s contract for next season,” he explained.
“A contract has many clauses, some financial, some organisational. We’re not saying there is a money reason. It could be related to the organisation of the work and the large team that accompanies Carlos. Two days ago, everything was ready to start the season with Ferrero, and two days ago, a disagreement arose that ended the relationship.”
Kiko Navarro, Alcaraz’s first-ever coach, also appeared on the radio programme on to discuss their shock split, and claimed that the six-time Major winner wouldn’t have wanted to let Ferrero go. “Everything has a beginning and an end. I was surprised. I’m a friend of the family, and it surprised me,” he said.
Asked why he thought Alcaraz and Ferrero couldn’t come to an agreement to continue their partnership, Navarro replied: “Perhaps more on the part of those around Carlos. Carlitos is very protective of his coaches. He protected me. I know he protected Ferrero.
“But there comes a time when, for reasons beyond his control and unrelated to sports, this decision has to be made. Juan Carlos has done a spectacular job. There’s little to criticise him for. I don’t think Carlitos decided this. Those who did must have their reasons, but I don’t know.”
There has also been speculation about Alcaraz’s dad’s role in their split, and Navarro added: “I might know something from his father, from months ago. It’s not the time to say it. I’ll find out for sure. They’ve handled it all very discreetly.”
Clay also reported that there had been “major disagreements” between Ferrero and Alcaraz Sr.
Neither Alcaraz nor Ferrero has shared the reason for their split. The world No. 1 is not set to compete until the Australian Open, which kicks off on January 18, and will no doubt be asked about the end of their partnership during pre-tournament media. The 22-year-old is continuing to work with his second coach, Samuel Lopez, who will accompany him in Australia.
