"I'm very happy he's coming back": Carlos Alcaraz reacts to Juan Carlos Ferrero's Tour return

Wednesday, 30 September 2026 at 02:30

Carlos Alcaraz has welcomed Juan Carlos Ferrero's decision to return to the ATP Tour in 2027, despite the possibility of eventually finding himself on the opposite side of the net from his former coach. The Spaniard spent more than seven years working with Ferrero, building one of the most successful player-coach partnerships of the current generation before their collaboration ended in December 2025.

Ferrero announced earlier this month that he is considering a return to coaching next season, although the former world No. 1 has not revealed which player he could work with. That has naturally raised the possibility of a reunion with Alcaraz as an opponent, but the 22-year-old made it clear at the Laver Cup that he has no concerns about sharing the Tour with his former mentor again.

Alcaraz and Ferrero began working together in 2018, when the Spaniard was still a teenager, and went on to win 24 ATP titles together. Their haul included six Grand Slam championships and eight Masters 1000 trophies, while Alcaraz also became world No. 1 during their partnership and established himself among the leading players of his generation.

Their separation did not stop Alcaraz's rise. Samuel Lopez subsequently became his main coach, while Alcaraz opened 2026 by winning the Australian Open, his seventh Grand Slam title and the victory that completed his career Grand Slam. After reaching the US Open quarterfinals and helping Team Europe win another Laver Cup title in London, he is now preparing for the final stretch of the season.

Alcaraz has no inside information on Ferrero's plans

Asked about Ferrero's announcement in London, Alcaraz admitted that his former coach had not shared any details with him about his next project. The Spaniard said he had no idea which player Ferrero could eventually join, despite their long relationship and continued connection.

"He hasn't told me anything. I'm very happy that he's coming back to the circuit," Alcaraz said, according to TennisActu. "We'll see each other. It will be great. It doesn't matter who he coaches, I think it will be very good."

Carlos Alcaraz and Juan Carlos Ferrero.

The possibility of Ferrero sitting in another player's box could create an unusual situation for Alcaraz, particularly given how much of his career was shaped by their partnership. Ferrero was alongside him during his breakthrough at the highest level, including his first Grand Slam title at the 2022 US Open and his rise to the top of the ATP rankings.

Ferrero, meanwhile, spent much of 2026 away from the demands of the Tour, prioritizing time with his family before beginning to consider another coaching project. “I can't reveal that just yet, but I think I’ll be returning to the tour though I can't say with whom just yet,” said the Spaniard.

Alcaraz heads to Tokyo after another Laver Cup comeback

Alcaraz's immediate focus is elsewhere. He played a central role in Europe's latest Laver Cup triumph, first teaming up with Jakub Mensik to beat Alexander Bublik and Taylor Fritz in doubles on the opening day before producing another important performance against Fritz in singles.

The Spaniard saved a match point against Fritz on the second day, helping Europe turn the contest around after Team World had moved into a 5-3 lead. Europe eventually completed the comeback with a 13-5 victory, giving Alcaraz another trophy before he turned his attention to the Asian swing.

His next stop will be the Japan Open in Tokyo, where he will face Alex Michelsen in his opening match. Matteo Arnaldi or Rei Sakamoto could await in the second round, while the draw also features Fritz, Tommy Paul, Casper Ruud, Frances Tiafoe and the returning Holger Rune.

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Alcaraz will arrive in Tokyo having already secured his place at the ATP Finals, following the Australian Open title that set the tone for his 2026 campaign. After the US Open quarterfinals and his successful Laver Cup appearance, the Japan Open marks the beginning of his push through the final part of the season.

Ferrero's return, meanwhile, will remain a story to follow beyond Tokyo. The Spaniard has yet to disclose who he intends to coach in 2027, but Alcaraz's reaction suggests there will be no awkwardness from his side if their paths eventually cross again. After seven years of working together, the former coach and player could soon be competing from opposite sides of the Tour.

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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