“It's going to be a little bit weird': Carlos Alcaraz anticipates first Juan Carlos Ferrero reunion
ATP
Carlos Alcaraz is preparing for one of the most unusual moments of his season at the 2026 ATP Finals, where he will come face to face with Juan Carlos Ferrero for the first time since their professional relationship came to an end. The Spaniard will reunite with the coach who guided him for seven years, but under very different circumstances.
Ferrero, who helped Alcaraz become a multiple Grand Slam champion and reach the top of the world rankings, is now preparing for a new challenge alongside Ben Shelton. The American recently confirmed that the former world No. 1 would join his coaching team for the 2027 season, creating an intriguing connection between two players who have already shared some memorable battles.
The timing has made the upcoming reunion even more interesting. Alcaraz and Shelton met in the final of the Paris Masters last weekend, marking their first encounter since Ferrero's new coaching partnership was announced. The Spaniard eventually prevailed in straight sets, but the circumstances surrounding the match attracted almost as much attention as the result.
Now, with both players qualified for the season-ending championships in Turin, Ferrero will have another opportunity to watch his former pupil compete, although this time from a different player's box.
Alcaraz looks forward to seeing Ferrero again
Alcaraz did not hide that the situation would be somewhat unusual after spending so many years working alongside Ferrero. However, rather than expressing discomfort about seeing the Spaniard coaching one of his direct rivals, the seven-time Grand Slam champion focused on the opportunity to reconnect with someone who played a fundamental role in his career.
"Well, I'm not going to lie, it's going to be a little bit weird, you know. It's been a really long time without seeing him, but I'm excited and I'm really looking forward to seeing him and talking to him," Alcaraz explained.
Carlos Alcaraz and Juan Carlos Ferrero.
The 22-year-old also expressed confidence in Ferrero's ability to help Shelton develop his game, suggesting that he is interested in seeing what the experienced coach can bring to the American's tennis.
"As I said in Paris when I was asked about it, I think he's going to do a great job with Ben. He's going to bring great things to Ben's game, and I'm really excited to see him in Ben's box, coaching him, and to see what improvements he can make as a player because of Juanqui."
Alcaraz's response was particularly notable considering the competitive implications of Ferrero's new position. The American is already one of the strongest players on the ATP Tour, and having the former coach of the world No. 1 working alongside him could provide an additional dimension to his game.
However, there was little suggestion of any resentment from Alcaraz. Instead, he appeared genuinely enthusiastic about the prospect of seeing Ferrero again after their lengthy separation. "So, as I said, I'm really looking forward to seeing him around here, talking to him, waving to him and, you know, giving him a really big hug. It's been a while since I've seen him."
From Paris Masters opponents to Turin reunion
The upcoming meeting also carries additional significance because of what happened in Paris. Shelton defeated Alcaraz in a dramatic five-set quarter-final at the US Open in September, handing the Spaniard one of his most painful defeats since returning from a wrist injury.
Their subsequent meeting in the Paris Masters final offered Alcaraz an opportunity to respond. The Spaniard produced a strong performance to secure a 7-6(5), 7-5 victory, claiming his first title at the tournament and his ninth Masters 1000 trophy.
Ferrero was already involved in Shelton's preparations, having offered advice to the American ahead of the final. It was an unusual experience for the Spaniard, who had spent years analysing Alcaraz's game from the same side of the court.
The ATP Finals will therefore provide another fascinating chapter in this developing story. Alcaraz arrives in Turin after winning titles in Tokyo, Vienna and Paris following his return from injury, while Shelton will also be among the eight qualifiers competing for the prestigious season-ending trophy.
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For Alcaraz, the immediate objective is to finally win the ATP Finals, having finished runner-up to Jannik Sinner in 2025. But before the competition gets underway, his reunion with Ferrero is likely to be one of the most closely watched moments of the week.
After almost a year apart, the two will finally have the opportunity to meet again, even if their professional paths now lead them towards opposite sides of the court.
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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mandoist12-11-2026 - Tell this to Andreeva!mandoist12-11-2026
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