"I believe they were considering going in another direction": Rafael Jodar collaboration with Juan Carlos Ferrero nearly happened before Shelton link-up
ATP
More details continue to flood in when it comes to Juan Carlos Ferrero and Ben Shelton linking up and perhaps the different turns that the most demanded coach in tennis after his parting of ways with Carlos Alcaraz went under the microscope.
Some even thought that he'd end up under the tutelage of Jannik Sinner and replace Darren Cahill. But as it transpired, he instead will lean on Magnus Norman.
Ferrero, as per an article by Marca, explained the decision in more depth to partner with Shelton as well as Sinner and also a potential union with Rafa Jodar and why that didn't work out.
Ferrero will have to base himself mainly in the US going forward, which, by his own admission, is very much the path of the course, in that he knows he will perhaps need to compromise being at home to train with him.
It has already been confirmed that he will only be at around 12 or 13 tournaments in 2027, with their link-up starting officially post the United Cup in regard to his attendance. This will mean that Bryan Shelton will still take a forward facing role for quite a lot of his son's coaching.
“At the end of October. I first spoke with his manager, but the idea came from his father and Ben," said Ferrero as per Marca on the first contact between the pair.
"I got in touch with them and spoke with both of them about the idea they had of me, their playing style, the possibility that everything could work well together...
"What made me decide to say yes was seeing their desire and enthusiasm. Ben's face when he talked about how eager he was to start working. I pay close attention to that kind of thing. I know they are great people, a healthy and rather well-structured group.
"Obviously, having to go to the United States in December is a small sacrifice. But to return to the tour, you have to accept certain constraints. Going there to train is part of that. I am used to it, though; I fully accept it, and I am leaving with a lot of desire.”
Asked about Sinner, he said that he doesn't think it's fair to discuss who he has been in contact with but that he had some big-name contacts without disclosing who.
“I prefer to keep that to myself. I don't think it is important to reveal who I was in contact with.
"I had very important contacts, but I am not going to disclose their identity.”
Jodar is not in the reckoning
But he did discuss a certain Rafa Jodar and said that they did chat but that Jodar himself is going a different direction, so it didn't lead to anything anyway from the outset. So the player seen as perhaps being the next Alcaraz mould wasn't going to be reproduced under the tutelage of Ferrero.
“Yes, yes, I spoke with his father, notably about the young player and his game..." But ultimately, at this stage, I believe they were considering going in another direction.
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"That is absolutely no problem for me, and I wish him the best.”
Samuel GillEditor-in-Chief
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of TennisUpToDate.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces across the TennisUpToDate network, playing a central role in the daily operation and development of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has a broad background in tennis media. In his current role, he works closely with editors and writers to ensure coverage meets clear journalistic standards, with particular attention to verification, consistency, and timely updates when new information becomes available.
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