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It's not even been three months since Carlos Alcaraz and his former coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero, announced their shock split, but Ferrero has already had his say on a potential reunion. The retired former world No. 1 started working with Alcaraz when the Spanish star was just 15 years old. They spent seven years together, and Alcaraz won 24 titles - including six Majors - under Ferrero's tutelage. So it came as a huge surprise when they parted ways in December.

At the time, Ferrero said he wished he "could have continued" with Alcaraz. Following the initial announcement, the world No. 1 has barely spoken about his split from Ferrero, only to explain that it was a mutual decision and that they still had a good friendship. Alcaraz has enjoyed plenty of success with the rest of his team, which has remained the same, with second coach Samuel Lopez stepping into the head coach role.

The 22-year-old has yet to lose a match this season. He completed the career Grand Slam by winning the Australian Open in January, and lifted the Qatar Open trophy last month. Ferrero, meanwhile, is still feeling the effects of the split, even unfollowing Alcaraz on Instagram. But he's now admitted he'd never say no to working with the seven-time Grand Slam champion again.

"They say sequels are never as good as the original, but there are some films where they are... Deep down, I couldn't say no to Alcaraz," the 2003 French Open champion told Josep Pedrerol on El Cafelito.

Before joining Alcaraz's team, Ferrero also had a stint coaching Alexander Zverev. And he's open to returning to the tennis tour again, even if it's not with Alcaraz. "I will return to the tour. I feel I still have a lot to offer, and I've already received many offers, but I don't yet have the necessary enthusiasm to accept any of them," he explained.

Ferrero also touched on Lopez's decision to stay on as Alcaraz's head coach. Lopez coached Ferrero during his own playing career, and they have maintained a strong relationship ever since. The 56-year-old also worked at the Ferrero Academy, and they split coaching duties for Alcaraz last year, jointly winning the ATP's Coach of the Year Award.

While Ferrero is happy for his friend, he's also found it difficult seeing Alcaraz and Lopez together without him. He added: "I was the first to encourage Samu to accept the job of coaching Carlos.

"He's someone I trust completely, I'm very happy for him, and it makes me very happy and relieved to know that he's aware of all the work that's been done over the years. At the same time, seeing someone I trust so much coaching Carlos hurts a little, but I'm getting better at it."

Alcaraz, Lopez and the team are currently in California for the Masters 1000 event in Indian Wells. The world No. 1 lifted the trophy there in 2023 and 2024 but lost to eventual champion Jack Draper in the semi-finals last year. Alcaraz has a bye into the second round, where he awaits Grigor Dimitrov or Terence Atmane.

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