Juan Carlos Ferrero has refused to close the door on coaching Jannik Sinner, insisting his professional future should not be dictated by his seven-year partnership with Carlos Alcaraz, even if the prospect proves uncomfortable for supporters of the Spaniard.
Ferrero helped Alcaraz become world No 1 and win six grand slam titles before their collaboration ended in December 2025. The former French Open champion is now considering his next move, with a return to the ATP Tour firmly in his sights.
Speaking to the Spanish newspaper AS, Ferrero praised Sinner’s ability while acknowledging that some Alcaraz fans might view a move to the Italian’s camp as a betrayal.
“Sinner is a spectacular player. I think he has already shown that when he is at 100 percent, he is very difficult to beat. We know that very well from Carlos’ side,” Ferrero said.
The 46-year-old stressed, however, that accepting a coaching role with one of Alcaraz’s principal rivals would not mean turning against his former player.
“At no point will I go against anyone, much less Carlos,” he said. “But whether the opportunity arrives with Sinner or another player, it is inevitable that you will be competing against someone. I hope people can understand that.”
Ferrero has yet to commit to another player and has previously indicated a preference for working with an established professional rather than embarking on another long-term development project with a young prospect.
His comments do not indicate that negotiations with Sinner are under way. The Italian has ended his 2026 season because of injury, and no agreement involving Ferrero has been announced.
The Spaniard has also spoken candidly about the emotional difficulty of his separation from Alcaraz, while making clear that he remains proud of what they achieved together.
Alcaraz has publicly acknowledged Ferrero’s contribution to his development, but their professional relationship is now behind them.
For Ferrero, the challenge is to build a new chapter without diminishing the achievements of the previous one. Coaching Sinner would put him alongside a player whose rivalry with Alcaraz helped define his former pupil’s rise, but the Spaniard appears unwilling to let that history dictate his choices.
