Alcaraz-Ferrero, Woodbridge: “What an advantage for Sinner”

Pilgrim of the Year

December 28, 2025 (changed at 1.57pm) – MILANO

The Alcaraz-Ferrero earthquake, the separation between the world no.1 and his historic coach, was the news that filled tennis in recent weeks, stealing the show from performances and various predictions for 2026. And leaving a question, not insignificant: how will Carlitos react, who has always played with Juan Carlos at his side in the best moments? Hypotheses follow one another and, although the player’s talent remains such, it is likely that there will still be consequences. According to Todd Woodbridge, Australian doubles legend (16 specialty Slams, 12 with Mark Woodforde, the other part of the legendary “Woodies” pair) he gives little chance to the Spaniard: “I think it will be difficult for Carlos to win a Slam in 2026. We know he is capable of it, but this change is disconcerting to me, we are talking about one of the best player-coach duos in history.”

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Ferrero on the other hand has always been in Alcaraz’s corner, since his first steps on the circuit, guiding him like a second father. An often abused term, but which in the sporting case of the No. 1 in the world fits perfectly. “When Juan Carlos hasn’t been by his side in recent years, Carlos hasn’t played as well,” observes Woodbridge, “you could see him looking towards the stands, more unsure.” Ultimately, Alcaraz’s real Achilles’ heel, more than tennis itself, has always been the mental aspect, especially in terms of concentration and consistency, both in matches and in the season. An aspect on which Ferrero was decisive, reassuring him and taking advantage of his experience as a former player in some delicate situations. And finding a new balance quickly won’t be easy. “It will take him months to get used to this situation,” says Woodbridge. Months that, at the moment, the Spaniard does not have.

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In fact, there are just over 20 days left until the Australian Open, the first Slam of the year and the only Major crown that Alcaraz is missing. The separation with Ferrero for reasons related to contract dynamics, which is still unclear and unclear, will still be a very fresh wound in Melbourne. Which could prove difficult to saturate. Giving an important advantage to his direct competitor, reigning Happy Slam double champion, Jannik Sinner. Already slightly favored by the conditions and previous victories, the Italian now has even more margin according to Woodbridge: “With this change, I think Jannik has an advantage and that he will take the hat-trick in Melbourne.” The cards are lined up, the official season of both will begin on January 18th, in a tournament that will see Sinner with his solid and usual team in tow. Alcaraz will be accompanied by the excellent Samuel Lopez but, for the first time, not by Juan Carlos Ferrero. His tennis reaction could already say a lot about the season to come: whether the duopoly with Jannik (eight Slams out of eight won in the last two seasons) will continue, or whether Woodbridge’s “prophecy” will prove correct.