Carlos Alcaraz Wanted Andy Murray as Coach But Djokovic Spoiled The Plan

Carlos Alcaraz reportedly planned a major coaching shake-up in late 2024, considering replacing his longtime mentor Juan Carlos Ferrero with former world No. 1 Andy Murray. According to a report by the Hindustan Times published on December 30, 2025, the young Spanish star, then aged 21, had grown increasingly frustrated with certain aspects of his development under Ferrero and saw Murray—freshly retired and known for his tactical brilliance and on-court intelligence—as the ideal candidate to take his game to the next level. The proposed switch was seen as a bold move that could have paired one of tennis's most promising talents with one of its sharpest modern minds.

The plan, however, fell apart when Andy Murray unexpectedly joined Novak Djokovic's coaching team in early 2025. Djokovic, seeking to prolong his career and add a new dimension to his game, brought in Murray as a consultant for select events. This high-profile collaboration left no room for Murray to commit to Alcaraz full-time, effectively ending the Spaniard's pursuit before it could materialize. Sources close to Alcaraz's camp indicated that the 24-time Grand Slam champion's involvement was a major factor in Murray's decision, as the Scot preferred the prestige and challenge of working with Djokovic over starting a new long-term project.

The fallout from this near miss became evident in December 2025 when Alcaraz officially parted ways with Juan Carlos Ferrero after a seven-year partnership that delivered two Wimbledon titles, two US Open crowns, a French Open victory, and a world No. 1 ranking. The split was described as amicable but underscored the underlying tensions that had been simmering since late 2024. Ferrero, widely credited with shaping Alcaraz into a complete player, had guided him through his meteoric rise, yet recent performances suggested a need for fresh ideas and a different perspective to sustain dominance in an increasingly competitive era.

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The episode highlights the intricate dynamics of elite tennis coaching, where availability, timing, and personal chemistry play decisive roles. Alcaraz's interest in Murray reflected a desire to blend his explosive athleticism with the tactical nous and match-winning mentality that defined the Scot's career. Instead, Murray's alignment with Djokovic—a player Alcaraz has frequently faced in high-stakes matches—added an intriguing subplot to the ongoing rivalry. For now, Alcaraz is reportedly evaluating new coaching options as he prepares for the 2026 season, with the shadow of the "what-if" Murray partnership lingering as one of the biggest near-misses in recent tennis history.

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