World number one Alcaraz ends 'incredible ride' with coach Carlos Ferrero

Men's tennis world number one Carlos Alcaraz announced on Wednesday he is splitting from his coach Juan Carlos Ferrero after seven hugely successful years together with assistant coach Samuel Lopez taking over.

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Alcaraz has won six Grand Slams among his 24 tour level titles under the guidance of fellow Spaniard Ferrero, including this year's French and US Opens.

Alcaraz, 22, ends this year as world number one having claimed eight tournaments during the season including his dramatic victory over Jannik Sinner in Paris.

"It is very difficult to write this post," Alcaraz said on social media with photos of the pair hugging.

"After more than seven years together, Juanki" and I have decided to end our story together as coach and player.

"Thank you for making the dreams of a child become reality," Alcaraz added.

Alcaraz began working with 45-year-old Ferrero, a former world number one, in August 2018, when he was a teenager.

As a player, Ferrero won the 2003 French Open and was runner-up in New York later in the year before becoming a coach working alongside Alexander Zverev in 2017.