Ferrero: "There were contract terms that I couldn't accept on principle"

Pedro de Pablos | 26 Dec 2025 | 21.40

Ferrero: "There were things in the contract that I could not accept on principle"

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It has been nine days since Juan Carlos Ferrero and Carlos Alcaraz announced their breakup, and little by little, more is being revealed about the reasons and disagreements that led to this drastic decision. In 2025, the Murcian tennis player had possibly his best season of his career, but the contract that was subsequently sent to the former coach of the world number one was the trigger for what would come next.

In an interview with Javier de Diego on Spanish National Radio, Ferrero has emphasized that the breakup occurred due to a matter of principles that led him to reject the offer, in addition to everything that happened after the announcement. The mental implications that this decision will have on Alcaraz for the Australian Open, Samuel López's decision to remain as the head coach, and the possibility (as he mentioned a few days ago) of coaching Carlos again in the future.

Juan Carlos Ferrero insists that the breakup with Alcaraz was due to a contractual issue

Listening to Juan Carlos speak, the first thing to highlight is that time heals everything, and in this case, it is no different. "Each passing day makes it a bit more assimilable. Despite the sad news for everyone, one starts to get used to the idea. People have realized the work that has been done and the legacy that is left behind, so in that aspect, I am at peace," he confesses.

In fact, it is difficult to comprehend how such a successful relationship could take a 180-degree turn due to certain contractual disagreements, but that is what happened. "The new contract was sent to me, I did not agree with certain things, I made it known, and an agreement was not reached. When we returned from Bologna, I did not imagine anything based on the results that had been achieved. We did not have any fights throughout the year, neither with him nor with the entourage."

Due to his nature, Ferrero finds it difficult to delve into certain details to avoid fueling certain controversies, but he drops some hints as to why a middle ground was not reached. "There weren't many clauses in my favor in the previous contract. I am true to my values, and there were certain things that I couldn't accept because of who I am, and I am satisfied with that part. Each of us has our ways, and when this happens, one must accept it," he said to put an end to the matter.

Ferrero states he wants to maintain a good relationship with Alcaraz

Obviously, these types of breakups hurt, especially when they happen unexpectedly. However, Juan Carlos has indicated that his intention is to maintain a good relationship with Carlos, as friends beyond their professional relationship. "Alcaraz and I have not spoken; I think he needs to be calm to be able to train, and time needs to pass for things to calm down. Later on, I will get in touch with him to ensure everything is fine."

He also emphasized the importance of Samuel López joining the team to smooth out those daily rough edges. "When relationships are very long, they start to wear down, so the entry of a second coach was crucial to refresh ideas. During those rest weeks when Samuel was with him, everything was aired out, and it was also good for me to return with strength," he states.

Interestingly, in the end, it was Samuel who remained in the team as the head coach, something Ferrero hopes will not hinder the relationship between them. However, it will take time. "I want our relationship to remain the same. It is true that initially, having one of your close people remain in the team needs to be absorbed. It will take a little time, but from then on, everything will be fine."

There are rumors that another coach with more international recognition could join in the coming months, but the former Valencian tennis player sees Samuel as more than capable of taking on the role alone. "Samuel has enough experience to coach Carlos alone. When some time has passed, and he has been coaching continuously for two or three years, perhaps the entry of a new coach will be considered to allow him to rest."

Ferrero keeps the door open to reuniting with Alcaraz

As he mentioned a few days ago, Ferrero has reiterated the possibility of reuniting with Alcaraz to work together in the future, even though it may seem like a utopia now. "I have already said that I do not close the door to returning. To decisively say no is something I do not feel. I am not thinking about it right now, but due to the friendship I have with him and the team, I will not shut the door."

Despite the current challenging situation, he foresees success for Alcaraz in his career because "he will not lose sight of his goal because I know him well, and he knows what is best for him and what is not. Carlos loves to compete, loves to play in tournaments, and the fact of fighting for major titles. I don't see him getting bored of tennis. Maybe in 10 or 12 years, but right now, it's the opposite. This situation is not ideal for the Australian Open, but in terms of tennis and talent, he is more than capable of winning."

Regarding his future, Juan Carlos acknowledges the need to take a break, and once the wounds heal, he will be back in action. "After over 7 long years, I want a break to rekindle motivation and enthusiasm with a new project that comes along. Right now, I want to enjoy my family," he concludes, leaving a final message for the player with whom he has made history. "After this passes, we will continue discussing all the things we experienced together. We will remain friends."

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Ferrero: "Había cosas del contrato que por principios no podía aceptar"