The Australian Open marks the start of the tennis season, a 2026 season overshadowed by the news that has shaken the sport: the split between Carlos Alcaraz and his coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero. The Murcian, winner of six Grand Slam titles at just 22 years old, decided to part ways with the former player from Ontinyent at the end of the year. Ferrero had been key to his success, and they had worked together since Alcaraz was 15. Until now, it was a seemingly solid partnership. Alcaraz shone on the court, and Ferrero watched from the stands, but behind the scenes, cracks had appeared and grown increasingly larger, culminating in the final breakdown just before Christmas.