Carlos Alcaraz’s split from Juan Carlos Ferrero, despite now being a month removed from the announcement, has remained one of the biggest talking points in tennis heading into the Australian Open. The timing only intensified the shock: the decision came just weeks after Alcaraz had finished the season ranked world No. 1, and Ferrero had been named ATP Coach of the Year.
A Shock Split
The partnership had been one of the most successful on tour, which made the separation all the more surprising. In the immediate aftermath, rumours began circulating that Alcaraz would seek an external replacement to fill the void left by Ferrero.
However, that ultimately did not happen. Instead, the world No. 1 promoted his second coach, Samuel Lopez, to head coach ahead of the 2026 season, signaling continuity rather than a change.
Despite that decision, speculation has continued over who Alcaraz might eventually choose as his next long-term head coach should the need arise. That ongoing debate recently drew the attention of former world No. 1 Mats Wilander, who offered an intriguing perspective.
“Well, I think that it will be really important to have a Grand Slam winner in your ear, but he’s already had Juan Carlos Ferrero. I think that if you’re going to have another Grand Slam voice in your ear, I think that voice should come from a player that plays a different game.”
Wilander’s Bold Suggestion
Expanding on that idea, Wilander floated two legendary names — but made it clear who his ideal choice would be.
“But if you take a John McEnroe and a Carlos Alcaraz, suddenly you see a big change. Or let’s put Roger Federer in there, for example. Now, you’re talking about someone that could really help Alcaraz with the game that he’s not that comfortable with. And I think Roger Federer will be the perfect coach for Carlos.”
A Federer–Alcaraz partnership would instantly become one of the most famous coach–player duos in tennis history, with both widely regarded as the defining faces of their respective generations in tennis. While they share a similar free-flowing, aggressive style, Wilander believes Federer could help Alcaraz develop greater patience and tactical restraint — areas where the Spaniard is not yet as comfortable.
Although the likelihood of such a partnership remains minimal, Wilander has firmly planted the idea into the tennis discourse. And if the sport has taught fans anything over the years, it is always to expect the unexpected.