Ferrero Returns in 2027: "I Cannot Say With Whom"

Juan Carlos Ferrero announced on Movistar+ that he will return to coaching on the tour starting next season, without revealing the player's name:

"I think I'll be back on the tennis tour, but I can't say with whom."

On his sabbatical year, the former world No. 1 was more forthcoming:

"This year I'm very relaxed, I'm enjoying my family and getting ready for what comes next year."

The break began in December 2025, when Carlos Alcaraz ended a seven-year partnership on social media. Under Ferrero, the Spaniard won 24 titles, eight Masters 1000s and every Slam he had claimed up to that point. Ferrero, speaking to Marca a few days after the announcement, traced the split to a disagreement over the 2026 contract and said he had hoped to continue.

Names started circulating right away. The Spanish press points to Rafael Jódar as the most concrete lead: 19 years old, a best ranking of world No. 11 in August, his first ATP title at the Grand Prix Hassan II in April and a Roland Garros quarterfinal. Punto de Break reports that the Jódar camp wants to strengthen its staff starting in 2027, and the shared language would make the fit straightforward. The same outlet lists four other names: Jannik Sinner, Holger Rune, Alexander Zverev and Félix Auger-Aliassime. None of these leads has been confirmed.

With Alcaraz, Ferrero started from a teenager and built everything from there. If it were Jódar, the starting point would be similar, but this time the comparison with his previous work would begin on day one.