The tennis world was left stunned after ATP world No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz announced his split from longtime coach Juan Carlos Ferrero. The decision sparked widespread debate, drawing reactions from several prominent figures, including Gilles Cervara, the former coach of US Open champion Daniil Medvedev.
The Frenchman recently weighed in, explaining why he believes the move was a wise decision that could help drive Alcaraz toward further progress.
Daniil Medvedev’s Former Coach Gilles Cervara Discusses Carlos Alcaraz’s Split With Juan Carlos Ferrero
Alcaraz’s decision to part ways with the former world No. 1 raised widespread questions, especially given the remarkable success he achieved under Ferrero’s guidance. After beginning their partnership when Alcaraz was just 15, Ferrero oversaw a journey that produced a staggering 24 tour-level titles, including eight Masters 1000 crowns and six Grand Slam triumphs. Most notably, in 2022, Ferrero guided a 19-year-old Alcaraz to the ATP year-end world No. 1 ranking, making him the youngest player ever to finish a season atop the rankings.
Alcaraz shared the shocking news of the split on Instagram, fueling skepticism over whether it was the right decision. Cervara, however, described the move as smart if Alcaraz genuinely felt ready to move on and had clear reasons tied to continued growth. He referenced his own experience with Medvedev, who also achieved major success under Cervara’s guidance, including a US Open title and reaching the top of the ATP rankings.
“And, if this is the case, it is very smart of Carlos to continue to progress. I think – whether it’s the player or the coach and that’s what I experienced with Daniil (Medvedev) – that at some point it’s important to be able to feel it in advance so that it’s not too late and be sure that the change is done for good reasons, towards more progress,” he told L’Equipe.
Notably, Alcaraz enjoyed a stellar 2025 season with Ferrero firmly by his side. The Spaniard captured eight tour-level titles, including three Masters 1000 trophies and two Grand Slams, the French Open and the US Open, and finished the year ranked world No. 1. That level of dominance made his decision to split all the more surprising.
Meanwhile, Ferrero took to social media to honor their journey together, highlighting the dedication and milestones they achieved as a team. He thanked Alcaraz for his trust and for allowing him to play a pivotal role in his rise to the top.