Carlos Alcaraz shocked the tennis world on Wednesday by announcing the end of his partnership with coach Juan Carlos Ferrero. The Spaniard, who has won all six of his Grand Slam titles under Ferrero’s guidance, concluded their most successful season together in 2025.

The 2025 season was a career-defining one for Alcaraz. He captured the French Open and the US Open, claimed a total of eight titles, and finished the year ranked world number one. Ferrero and his coaching team were also honored with the ATP Coach of the Year award.

Yet, despite their unprecedented success, Alcaraz decided it was time to move on from the partnership that had lasted more than seven years.

“It’s very hard for me to write this post. We made this decision together. Thank you for turning my childhood dreams into reality. We started this journey when I was still a kid,” Alcaraz wrote on social media.

“We reached the top together, and I think if our paths are ever to part, now is the right time. At the very moment we always aimed for. So many memories are flooding my mind that picking just one wouldn’t be fair. You helped me grow as an athlete, but above all as a person. Now it’s time for change for both of us, bringing new adventures ahead,” he added.

The announcement comes as a surprise, coming immediately after the most triumphant season of Alcaraz’s career. Samuel Lopez, another member of Alcaraz’s coaching team, will remain by his side as he pursues a first Australian Open title and aims for a career Grand Slam.

Ferrero, meanwhile, is expected to have no shortage of opportunities should he choose to continue coaching. Prior to working with Alcaraz, he guided Alexander Zverev, and according to Spanish daily Marca, top-10 players have already expressed interest in his expertise.