Carlos Alcaraz and Juan Carlos Ferrero are set to cross paths for the first time since their coaching partnership came to an end, with the former world No. 1 coach expected to attend the 2026 ATP Finals in Turin. According to Spanish newspaper MARCA, Ferrero has been invited to the season-ending tournament as a member of the ATP’s Number 1 Club, creating the possibility of a reunion with his former player.
The pair worked together for more than seven years before their split in December 2025, during a partnership that saw Alcaraz win the first six Grand Slam titles of his career. Their separation was one of the most significant developments in tennis at the end of last season, but both have since moved forward with their respective careers.
Importantly, Ferrero’s expected presence in Turin does not signal a return to Alcaraz’s coaching team. The Spaniard has continued working with Samuel López since the split, while Ferrero has expressed his intention to return to coaching in 2027. The potential meeting would instead provide an opportunity for the former coach and player to see each other again after months apart.
The ATP Finals will take place from November 15 to 22 at the Inalpi Arena in Turin. Alcaraz has qualified for the event for the fifth consecutive year, while Ferrero’s invitation stems from his membership of the Number 1 Club, which recognises players who have reached the top of the ATP rankings.
Ferrero previously spoke about wanting to embrace Alcaraz again
The possibility of a reunion comes after Ferrero addressed the prospect of seeing his former pupil again in an interview with MARCA earlier in October. The coach made it clear that he believed they would eventually meet, expressing hope that enough time had passed for them to approach the encounter calmly.
"It’s been long enough now for us to be able to see each other in a relaxed way and share a hug," Ferrero said. "When that day comes, it would certainly be a positive thing for both of us—sooner or later, it has to happen. It will happen."
Alcaraz and Ferrero celebrate after their victory in the French Open 2025 final
The comments offered a glimpse into his feelings about the separation without suggesting that the pair were preparing to resume their professional relationship. Ferrero also indicated that returning to coaching remained an objective for 2027, although no new partnership has been confirmed.
Alcaraz, meanwhile, has continued his career under López and will return to Turin looking to improve on his best result at the ATP Finals. He reached the championship match for the first time in 2025 but lost to Jannik Sinner, who won the title for the second consecutive year.
The 2022 edition remains the only year in which Alcaraz qualified but did not compete, having withdrawn because of an abdominal injury. His fifth consecutive qualification underlines his sustained presence among the leading players on the ATP Tour.
Alcaraz, Zverev and Shelton qualify as Sinner misses Turin
Alcaraz will be one of three players already assured of a place in this year’s singles field, alongside Alexander Zverev and Ben Shelton. The American secured his qualification on October 18, joining Alcaraz and Zverev in the lineup for the tournament, which brings together the leading players of the season.
The biggest confirmed absence is Sinner. The Italian has ended his 2026 season because of a knee injury, ruling him out of the ATP Finals and ending his bid for a third consecutive title at the event. His withdrawal also leaves the race for the remaining places more open as the final tournaments of the season approach.
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For Alcaraz and Ferrero, however, the attention in Turin may extend beyond the competition itself. MARCA’s report sets the stage for their first reunion since the end of a partnership that shaped much of Alcaraz’s rise, although whether they will meet privately or speak at length remains unknown.
Their presence at the same tournament would create the opportunity Ferrero described earlier this month: a chance to see each other again and, potentially, share the embrace he said would be positive for both.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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