Overview
- Journalist Ángel García Muñiz reports Samuel López will serve as Carlos Alcaraz’s head coach for 2026, with the rest of the team largely unchanged.
- López said the first week of preseason is complete with strong effort and cohesion as Alcaraz prepares in Spain for the Australian Open starting January 18 and an exhibition vs Jannik Sinner on January 10 in Seoul.
- Spanish outlets CLAY and RG Media report Ferrero was given a late contract with reduced terms and a short deadline, alongside tensions with Alcaraz’s father over career management.
- Ferrero publicly stated he wished he could have continued, while commentators including Guy Forget and Olympic medallist Frédéric Weis criticized a money-driven split and the reported 48-hour ultimatum.
- Former pros Steve Johnson and Aleksandar Kovacevic called the mid-December timing concerning so close to the new season, as outside speculation about future hires continues but Alcaraz currently opts for continuity.