"It's scandalous": the split between Carlos Alcaraz and Juan Carlos Ferrero sparks debate

Carlos Alcaraz ended his historic collaboration with Juan Carlos Ferrero under conditions that are now causing controversy.

© ROBERTA CORRADIN_LIVEMEDIA_DPPI VIA AFP

Arthur Millot

le 23/12/2025 à 08h03

2 min to read

Alcaraz Carlos Ferrero Juan

A brutal announcement that stunned the tennis world

Last Wednesday, the tennis world was in disbelief. Carlos Alcaraz officially announced the end of his collaboration with Juan Carlos Ferrero, his longtime mentor.

An unexpected, almost unthinkable split, as their partnership seemed to be one of the strongest pillars on the ATP tour.

A contract, 48 hours, and an irreversible fracture

Officially, neither Alcaraz nor Ferrero wished to go into details. But sources close to the matter have lifted the veil on a particularly tense contractual negotiation.

According to several consistent revelations, the contract binding Ferrero to Alcaraz was renewed annually. The one for 2025 was set to expire in November. The new contract was reportedly presented on Saturday the 13th, with a request to sign by Monday the 15th in the morning.

Ferrero is said to have made a counter-proposal, which was refused without discussion. A firm stance from the Alcaraz camp, perceived as a real ultimatum by the coach.

"It's scandalous": Frédéric Weis lights the fire

The controversy has provoked outrage from a number of former athletes, including Frédéric Weis, a former French basketball player, on the airwaves of RMC Sport.

"What worries me is the ultimatum, the demand to respond within 48 hours. It's a very particular way to treat someone you've been working with for seven years. It's scandalous."

A sharp opinion that is likely to continue fueling discussions around the separation of the two men.