Carlos Alcaraz’s coach gets shock new job as he announces return | Tennis | Sport

Juan Carlos Ferrero has revealed his new job after parting ways with tennis superstar Carlos Alcaraz. The pair’s separation was announced in December, having worked together since Alcaraz was just a teenager. Now, Ferrero is going to work with young Spanish golfer Ángel Ayora in a psychological capacity.

The 21-year-old is seeking to improve his decision-making and emotional strength and believes Ferrero can help him achieve this. Having worked together for seven years, the news of Ferrero’s split with Alcaraz came as a massive shock to the tennis world. Neither party gave a reason for the decision, but it’s understood Ferrero didn’t want to leave his role. Despite this, speaking at the Australian Open, Alcaraz said their chapter came to an end in mutual circumstances. Bagging 24 ATP titles, six Grand Slams and rising to world number one – becoming the youngest in history to do – it seemed massively disappointing for Alcaraz to say goodbye to his long-time coach, but ultimately their journey has come to an end.

Writing on Instagram to reveal his new collaboration with golfer Ayora, Ferrero said: “Excited to announce a new professional collaboration for 2026! I’ll be working alongside @angel.ayora_, a young golfer with great potential; his coach, @coachjuanochoa; and his management team, @allinsports_group. We’ll be working together on the mental side of performance and professional development.”

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Ayora is one of Europe’s most promising young talents and started playing at just five. Coincidentally, he enjoyed playing tennis as a youngster but found his calling with golf. He made his ranking debut at the 2022 Andalucia Masters before appearing in the Eisenhower Trophy. Ferrero did confirm this would be a part-time role, continuing his work at the Juan Carlos Ferrero Academy.

Alcaraz wrote this statement about the big split with Ferrero: “It’s very difficult for me to write this post… After more than seven years together, Juanki and I have decided to end our time together as a coach and player. Thank you for making childhood dreams come true.

“We started this path when I was just a kid, and during all this time you have accompanied me on an incredible journey, on and off the track. And I have really enjoyed every step with you. We have managed to reach the top, and I feel that, if our sports paths had to separate, it had to be from up there.

“From the place where we always work and where we always aspire to reach. There are so many memories that come to my mind that being alone with one would not be fair.

“You have made me grow as an athlete, but above all as a person. And something that I value very much: I have enjoyed the process. I’ll keep that, with the road travelled together.

“Now come times of change for both, new adventures and new projects. But I am sure that we will face them in the right way, giving the best of us, as we have always done. Always adding. I sincerely wish you the best in all that comes. I am left with the tranquillity of knowing that we have not left anything to give, that we have made everything available to the other. Thank you for everything, Juanki!”

Ferrero himself wrote: “Today is a difficult day. One of those when it’s hard to find the right words. Saying goodbye is never easy, especially when there are so many shared experiences behind it. We have worked hard, grown together, and shared unforgettable moments.

“I want to thank you for the time, the trust, the learning, and above all, for the people who have surrounded me throughout this journey. I take with me laughter, challenges overcome, conversations, support during difficult moments, and the satisfaction of having been part of something truly unique.

“Today, a very important chapter of my life comes to an end. I close it with nostalgia, but also with pride and excitement for what may come next. I know that everything I have lived has prepared me to be better. Thank you, Carlos, for the trust, the effort, and for making your way of competing make me feel so special. I wish you all the best, both professionally and personally.

“I would also like to thank the entire team for making my work easier throughout all these years. With you, I have learned that work is not just about tasks or results, but about the people who walk alongside you. Each and every one of you has left a mark on me that I will never forget. We have been an incredible team despite the difficulties, and I am sure you will continue to achieve great success.

“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.”