Phoenix 24
A celebrated partnership ends, but new possibilities remain open.
Madrid, Spain.
Former world No. 1 Juan Carlos Ferrero has moved to clarify speculation surrounding his return to professional tennis after suggesting that he could resume coaching in 2027. The Spanish coach, who ended his successful partnership with Carlos Alcaraz in December 2025, recently indicated that he was preparing for a new professional challenge without revealing the identity of his next player. His comments immediately generated expectations about a potential agreement with another leading ATP competitor. Subsequent reporting, however, indicates that no coaching contract has been finalized.
The speculation began during an appearance on Movistar Plus ahead of the football match between Elche and Real Madrid. Ferrero explained that he had been enjoying a quieter period with his family while considering his professional future. He suggested that returning to the tennis circuit next year was a possibility, but declined to identify a prospective player. His remarks encouraged speculation that negotiations were already approaching a conclusion.
Spanish newspaper AS subsequently reported that Ferrero has been exploring several options without reaching a definitive agreement. Sources close to the former player indicated that his earlier statements had been interpreted more conclusively than intended. Although he has maintained contact with certain players, no specific appointment has been confirmed. The distinction is significant because expressing an intention to return does not establish that a coaching partnership already exists.
Ferrero’s professional future has attracted considerable interest following the end of his relationship with Alcaraz. Their collaboration began when the Spanish player was a teenager and developed into one of the defining coaching partnerships of his generation. Under Ferrero’s guidance, Alcaraz reached the top of the ATP rankings and collected six Grand Slam singles titles before their separation. Their achievements established Ferrero’s reputation as a coach capable of guiding a promising junior player through the demanding transition to the highest level of professional tennis.
Jannik Sinner has previously appeared in discussions about Ferrero’s potential coaching future, particularly after the Spaniard expressed admiration for the Italian player’s abilities. However, Ferrero stated in an April interview with El País that he had not been in contact with Sinner about a coaching arrangement. His latest comments provide no confirmation that circumstances have changed. Associating him with a particular player therefore remains speculative without an announcement from the parties involved.
The decision also involves personal considerations. Ferrero has emphasized the importance of spending time with his family following years of extensive international travel. A return to full-time coaching would require renewed commitments to tournament schedules, training arrangements and the long-term development of another player. Those factors make the selection of his next professional project more complex than a simple contractual decision.
For now, Ferrero’s intention to return to the ATP Tour remains distinct from a confirmed appointment. His experience ensures that any future announcement will attract attention, but the identity of his next player and the precise timing of his comeback remain unresolved.
Phoenix24: clarity in the grey zone. / Phoenix24: claridad en la zona gris.