Carlos Alcaraz has been criticised for the decision to split from long-term coach Juan Carlos Ferrero. It was announced earlier this week that the two would go their separate ways after working with each other for seven years. 

During that time, Alcaraz has won 24 titles, including six majors and is currently the world number one. The split, therefore, came as a shock to the world of tennis and there has been plenty of discussion about the decision.

There has been some speculation from CLAY that Ferrero was given two days to read and sign a new contract. It’s added that he made a counteroffer that wasn’t accepted.

The same publication also claims that there were ‘major disagreements’ between Ferrero and Alcaraz’s father. Responding on social media, Ferrero added the telling phrase: “I wish I could have continued” in his heartfelt statement.

Alcaraz has now been criticised for the decison by former French basketball player Frederic Weis. Speaking to RMC Sport’s Les Grandes Gueules du Sport, the former Olympic silver medalist said: “What worries me is the ultimatum, the demand to respond within 48 hours.

“It’s a very peculiar way of treating someone you’ve worked with for seven years. It’s outrageous.”

For Alcaraz, he will now be on the search for a potential long-term replacement, while Samuel Lopez will continue with the team and will be in charge for the upcoming Australian Open. It is now reported that Lopez will become the new head coach for the 2026 season, with Alcaraz turning down the approach of more than five other coaches.

The world number one has been sent a warning by former Grand Slam champion Marion Bartoli who pointed to the early retirement of Bjorn Borg. “I am worried – but in a measured way – because he is someone who has exceptional qualities to begin with,” she said.

“But he needs structure because otherwise he could end up quitting tennis like [Bjorn] Borg did at 25. And we have a genius here, so we don’t want that – we want him to continue for a very, very long time.”

She added: “What’s going to happen is that for the first six months, it’s going to be a trial-and-error process.

“There will be names circulating, people wondering who will take the job, who won’t. Of course, to coach a genius like Alcaraz, he’s not going to face many rejections.”