MELBOURNE — As Carlos Alcaraz continues his commanding run through the Australian Open draw, a significant figure from his past has broken his silence. Juan Carlos Ferrero, the former world No. 1 who guided Alcaraz from a prodigious teenager to a two-time Grand Slam champion, has confessed he still watches his former charge's matches, despite their professional split last summer being described as "brutal" by Spanish media.
Ferrero, who coached Alcaraz for nearly five formative years, made the admission in an interview with Spanish outlet Marca from his academy in Villena. His comments reveal the complex emotions involved in watching a player he helped build achieve greatness without him. "Of course I watch him," Ferrero stated. "I spent many years by his side, and it's only natural to follow his career. You want to see how he's doing, how he's evolving. It's a connection that doesn't just disappear."
The Foundation of a Champion
The Ferrero-Alcaraz partnership was one of the most successful and symbiotic in modern tennis. Ferrero, the 2003 French Open champion, took on a raw 15-year-old with explosive talent and instilled in him the discipline, tactical nuance, and champion's mentality required for the summit. Under Ferrero's tutelage, Alcaraz rocketed to World No. 1 and captured his first major at the 2022 US Open, followed by a stunning Wimbledon title in 2023.
Their split in July 2023, however, was sudden and reportedly strained. Official statements cited a mutual desire for a "new professional phase," but reports in Spain suggested a growing tension, with Ferrero's intense, hands-on approach beginning to chafe as Alcaraz sought more independence. The player's father, Carlos Alcaraz González, reportedly played a key role in the decision. Ferrero acknowledged the difficulty, saying, "Endings are never easy, especially when you've shared so much. There was pain on both sides."
A Coach's Eye View from Afar
Now watching from the sidelines, Ferrero provides a uniquely expert perspective on Alcaraz's current form in Melbourne. The young Spaniard has looked imperious, dropping only one set en route to the quarterfinals with a blend of power, touch, and athleticism that has become his trademark. "He is playing with a lot of confidence and clarity," Ferrero observed. "You can see he has matured. The game plan is clear in his mind from the first point."
Ferrero pointed to specific improvements in Alcaraz's game that he believes are paying dividends on the hard courts of Melbourne Park:
- Serve Evolution: "His serve has more variety and purpose now."
- Point Construction: "He's more patient in building the point."
- Emotional Control: "The frustration levels are lower."
However, the former coach also noted areas where he sees room for growth, particularly in managing the physical demands of best-of-five-set tennis over two weeks. "The challenge is always sustainability. Can he maintain this explosive style deep into the second week? That is the next question."
Navigating a New Dynamic
The current Australian Open has underscored the new reality for both men. Alcaraz is now coached by former world No. 1 Juanjo Moreno, a longtime member of his team, and appears more relaxed and self-assured. Meanwhile, Ferrero has returned full-time to his academy but admits the separation was an adjustment. "You invest your life in a project like that. When it ends, there is a void. You have to find new motivations," he confessed.
The tennis world has been watching this dynamic closely. The relationship between a star player and a formative coach is often likened to that of a parent and child—intensely close but sometimes requiring separation for independence. Ferrero drew a parallel to other great partnerships that eventually dissolved, like Roger Federer and Peter Lundgren, or Novak Djokovic and Marian Vajda. "It is the natural cycle of this sport. The player grows and needs new voices. It doesn't negate what was built before."
The Legacy of the Partnership
Despite the split, Ferrero's imprint on Alcaraz's game remains undeniable. Analysts point to the Spanish-style heavy topspin forehand, the willingness to come to net, and the fighting spirit as direct legacies of Ferrero's coaching. When asked what he is most proud of, Ferrero did not mention the trophies. "The person he became. Seeing him handle pressure, interact with fans, be a role model. That is the real success."
Looking Ahead: A Complicated Cheer
As Alcaraz prepares for a blockbuster quarterfinal clash against Alexander Zverev, the question of support looms. Ferrero was unequivocal about where his loyalties lie during the tournament. "I am Spanish. I want the best for Spanish tennis. Of course I am supporting Carlos to go all the way here." He paused before adding, "But it is a different kind of support now. It is from a distance, without the daily responsibility."
The confession from Ferrero adds a poignant human layer to Alcaraz's quest for a first Australian Open title. It is a reminder that behind the blistering forehands and triumphant celebrations, the journey to the top is paved with complex relationships, difficult goodbyes, and enduring bonds. Whether Alcaraz lifts the trophy or not, his path will forever be intertwined with the coach who helped him draw the map.
For now, Ferrero will watch, like millions of others, but with a depth of understanding few possess. As he put it, "I see the shots, but I also see the history behind them. That will never change." The brutal split may have ended their official partnership, but it has not severed the watchful, invested eye of a mentor who helped create a champion.