Alcaraz admitted that the criticism following his split with his coach brought negative effects: I also experienced some doubts.

In December 2025, Alcaraz declared his split from Ferrero, stunning the tennis community. The coach who had accompanied him since age 15 ended their collaboration. The world No.1 called this move “a chapter in life that needed to close,” yet this statement failed to silence the rumors. Several tennis experts questioned the timing and reasons for the split, with former French Open finalist Guy Forget even calling a popular theory around the decision “absurd.” So, how did Alcaraz respond?

At a post-match press conference, when asked if he felt extra motivation to prove he could win Grand Slams without Ferrero, Alcaraz downplayed the notion. He said he does not focus on doubters. He fights for himself and his team and is pleased to prove those skeptics wrong through his performance. Later, in an interview with Le Monde, he reiterated: “Over time, I have become more aware of the power of words. A kind or a harsh comment can change a person’s mood. So I always try to be very careful with what I say and how I express myself. Some negative remarks I read or heard did affect me and even made me doubt myself at times.”

However, Alcaraz also mentioned that positive feedback makes him proud and happy, with the good far outweighing the bad. When asked about the reason behind the team changes, he explained that a tennis season runs from January to November, and decisions must be made after the season ends.

“Life is like that: constantly choosing paths. Sometimes the choices are right, sometimes wrong, and you have to keep learning. We realized changes were needed, so we made the decision, and that’s how things happened.”

With his recent victory in Melbourne, Alcaraz etched his name into tennis history as the youngest male player to complete a career Grand Slam. On the court, he delivered the strongest response. In the Australian Open final, the world No.1 bounced back from a slow start to defeat Djokovic 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5, lifting his first Grand Slam trophy in Melbourne. This win was not only historic but also symbolic—it was his first Grand Slam tournament since ending his seven-year partnership with Ferrero.

“I don’t think anyone knows how much effort I put in to win this title. I’ve chased this moment for a very long time,” Alcaraz said reflecting on the emotional journey. “The entire preseason felt like an emotional rollercoaster… My team pushed me every day to do the right things, so I’m truly grateful for everyone around me now.”

After securing the season’s first Grand Slam, a new challenge lies ahead—what will it be? Alcaraz never shies away from big challenges, but the goal before him now carries great historical significance. For the first time in his career, the world No.1 will attempt to achieve the calendar-year Grand Slam—a feat no male player has accomplished since Rod Laver in 1969. Given his recent dominance on various surfaces, this prospect is thrilling.

Alcaraz has won Roland Garros twice in a row, claimed the Wimbledon trophy twice in the past three years, and will enter the US Open as the defending champion. Despite this momentum, the Spaniard remains grounded. He admitted he doesn’t want to be weighed down by history’s pressure. “It’s going to be a huge challenge. I just want to take it step by step. Next stop is the French Open. I have many great memories there, and every time I go, it feels very special.”

Alcaraz also highlighted the importance of managing “expectations” throughout the long season, “So I don’t want to put enormous pressure on myself to complete it, but it will definitely be an amazing experience.”(Source: Tennis Home, Author: Spark)