Pablo Carreno Busta has given his insight into the shocking split between World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz and his former coach Juan Carlos Ferrero. Alcaraz and Ferrero’s separation in December 2025 shook the tennis world. The conclusion of their partnership came at the height of their success as a pair.
Alcaraz won eight titles from 11 finals in 2025, including two Majors, and finished the year ranked No. 1 as well. Their compatriot, Carreno Busta, offered his two cents on the matter during a recent interview with Spanish outlet Diario AS. He compared their split to the separation of Rafael Nadal and his uncle Toni, who coached him for most of his career until the dissolution of their partnership in 2017.
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“Like everyone else, I found it unexpected, something we didn’t think was possible. But perhaps in the long run, as happened with Toni and Rafa, there comes a point when it’s been too many years. It’s a very close relationship because you spend a lot of time with the player or the coach, and that takes its toll,” Carreno Busta said.
Carreno Busta further added that he wasn’t privy to the nitty-gritty of what went down between Alcaraz and Ferrero. Talks of contract negotiation going sour started doing the rounds in the aftermath of their split, something which Carreno Busta alluded to as well.
“But I don’t know exactly what prompted Carlos or his team to make this decision, nor what led Juan Carlos to accept or reject certain conditions. I don’t know what those conditions are. I also can’t say for sure what happened, because I don’t know,” Carreno Busta stated.
Alcaraz proved that Ferrero’s departure didn’t affect him in the slightest. He won the Australian Open last month, completing the Career Grand Slam in the process. Following a short break, he’s now back on tour and competing in Doha.
Carlos Alcaraz to meet Valentin Royer for a spot in the quarterfinals of the ATP Qatar Open 2026
Carlos Alcaraz is back in action this week, competing at the ATP Qatar Open 2026. He kicked off his run in Doha with a 6-4, 7-6 (5) win over Arthur Rinderknech. He will face another Frenchman, Valentin Royer, in the second round on Wednesday, February 18.
The winner will progress to the quarterfinals, where seventh seed Karen Khachanov awaits them. Alcaraz has a perfect 5-0 record against the Russian, and has lost only one set across their previous five matches.
Alcaraz is participating in the ATP Qatar Open for the second time. He made the quarterfinals on his debut last year, going down to Jiri Lehecka in three sets. He can now equal his previous best result with one more win.
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Edited by Rohit
