One week after the stunning split between Carlos Alcaraz and Juan Carlos Ferrero after seven successful years together, the story has taken a decisive turn. The coach spoke openly about his relationship with the player in an interview with Spanish outlet Marca. He also addressed the arrival of Samuel Lopez to the coaching team, making it clear that results and personal dynamics were never an issue during their final season together.

“I think the year has been very good in terms of results, and the relationship between the two of us has been spectacular all year,” Ferrero said. “We haven’t had any arguments at any point.”

However, circumstances changed after the season ended. And the core issue centered on contract discussions.

“Everything seemed set to continue smoothly,” he said, “It’s true that when a year ends, certain contractual matters have to be reviewed. And as with any new contract, looking ahead to the following year, there were certain things we didn’t agree on. As in any negotiation, one side pulls one way and the other pulls the opposite way. Carlos’s camp looks out for what’s best for him, and I look out for what’s best for me. There were certain issues on which we couldn’t reach an agreement.

It’s possible that some of those issues could have been resolved if we had sat down to talk, but in the end we didn’t, and we decided not to continue. That’s really what happened. There are points I won’t go into in detail, but on which we disagreed, and in the end we went our separate ways.”

Well, it’s much more complicated than that.

Despite leading the player to six Grand Slam titles and world number one, Ferrero reportedly had to wait for two weeks for a contract renewal after the after the previous contract ended in late November. And even when he did receive the new contract, the coach was allegedly given just two days to read and sign it. Reports also suggest that Ferrero may have made a counter offer that was rejected.

What’s more, sources also suggest that the split had a lot more to do with disagreements with Alcaraz’s family. Per Clay.com, in February 2023, the Spaniard’s father and Ferrero had a heated argument after the latter announced he wouldn’t be going on the South American tour.

More tensions followed as Alcaraz’s family wasn’t comfortable with the idea of the coach skipping more and more tournaments over the years. The latest instance reportedly took place in October after Alcaraz’s second-round loss to Cameron Norrie (6-4, 3-6, 4-6).

The expectation for Ferrero was to stay back and help lift spirits for the upcoming ATP Finals in Turin. Instead, the coach reportedly left the venue quickly, returning home on the first flight available.

That said, for now the two have parted ways and Ferrero has signaled what he’s going to do about his future.

Ferrero addresses whether a sensational move to Jannik Sinner’s team is possible

As discussions evolved, Jannik Sinner’s name entered the conversation. Many believe he could be a natural coaching fit for Juan Carlos Ferrero as the Italian is currently in the final year of his arrangement with Darren Cahill.

Cahill has already announced plans to retire at the end of 2025. However, he confirmed he will remain with Sinner for at least one more season. That decision followed an agreement made at Wimbledon.

“I am a man of my word, and we made a pact at Wimbledon. My future is in Jannik’s hands. If he wants, I will stay,” Cahill said.

Ferrero was later asked if he would consider working with Sinner in the future. He made it clear that no immediate move is on his mind. “I’ve adapted my style as much as I could for Carlos,” he said.

Ferrero explained that he needs time away from the tour. “I’m not considering other options at all because I need two or three months of peace and quiet and for the pain to subside.

After that, if other possibilities arise, we’ll weigh them up. In the end, it’s been almost eight years nonstop and a lot of time away from home. Being home now is a blessing.”

With Ferrero sharing his perspective, the debate continues. Could a future collaboration with Sinner happen? What do you think?