Carlos Alcaraz's former coach Juan Carlos Ferrero has openly admitted that he would have advised against the tennis star's decision to purchase a lavish superyacht. The pair, who worked together for seven years before parting ways in December 2025, had a close relationship that Ferrero likened to family.
A Disagreement Over Spending
Ferrero, who coached Alcaraz from a teenage prospect to a multiple Grand Slam champion, confessed in an interview with Italian publication Corriere della Sera that he disagreed with the purchase. When asked about tennis coach Riccardo Piatti's theory that Ferrero would not have endorsed the buy, Ferrero replied: "He's right. Maybe I said no to [Alcaraz] too many times, but Carlos was family to me, and that's how I raise my children."
The superyacht in question is a Sunreef Ultima 88 catamaran, estimated to be worth around £8.6 million. Alcaraz became a brand ambassador for the company after the purchase in March 2026.
Alcaraz's Justification
Alcaraz explained his decision to Superyacht Times, saying: "Living in Murcia, it's really easy for me because we have good weather the whole year and the sea is very close to home. For two years now, I've felt like I really wanted to be an owner."
The 23-year-old Spaniard has been out of action since sustaining a wrist injury during the Barcelona Open in April. He subsequently missed the French Open and has also withdrawn from Wimbledon.
Ferrero's Reflections on Their Split
Ferrero, a former world No. 1 and 2003 French Open champion, helped guide Alcaraz to six Grand Slam titles during their partnership. However, their professional relationship ended in December 2025, and Ferrero was not by Alcaraz's side when he triumphed at the Australian Open in February 2026.
Reflecting on their separation, Ferrero said: "Talking about it brings back memories, a little sadness is normal. But I'm fine: I move between the Academy and home, I have plenty of travel, I gave Carlos everything I could. Talking about it is never easy."
When asked whether he has kept in touch with Alcaraz, Ferrero added: "Not much. I wrote to him when he won in Australia and Doha. I spoke to him when he got injured. Nothing more. We both needed space to start over."
