"It's hard to pick just one" - Juan Carlos Ferrero puts bias aside and names who is the best between Alcaraz and Sinner

Juan Carlos Ferrero continues to wait in the shadows ahead of what could be a highly anticipated return to the ATP Tour in 2027. The Spanish coach and former professional has been closely observed since departing the side of Carlos Alcaraz, and with the rumours surrounding Jannik Sinner having skyrocketed, he has since stated who he believes is the better player.

The former Roland Garros champion has been out of the sport since the end of 2025 when that hugely surprising news, that he and Alcaraz were going their separate ways. It was huge news that took the tennis world by storm.

Alcaraz had risen to the top of the sport with him by his side, having won six Grand Slam titles and spent countless weeks as World No.1 before Ferrero departed. It did not seem to affect him too much as he went on to win the Australian Open for the first time and complete the career Grand Slam.

Injury has since halted much of his season, but Alcaraz is back winning again after successfully defending his Japan Open title in a straight-set win over Jiri Lehecka.

As for Ferrero, he has traded the tennis courts for a different occupation as of late. He is set to release a book called 'Winning Mentality'. It goes through his entire career, from his early beginnings to his coaching days, and is set to be a fascinating read.

All the while, he is waiting for the right moment to re-enter the fray in tennis as a coach. Who he will be with is yet to be seen, but it will be a tantalising wait for tennis fans for that fateful day in which Ferrero returns to the sport.

However, for the time being, there is no rush. "I'm fine now, I'm eager, in the end the competition is calling me," he told Punto de Break. "At the moment I don't have anything finalised, I'm telling you this with all sincerity. I'll only return if something truly excites and fulfils me comes up; otherwise, I'll just go back to being at the Academy and enjoying myself."

He confirmed that nothing was finalised despite a recent interview he made. "In that on-field interview, some things were taken out of context. If I didn't say who I was going to get back together with, it was because I had absolutely nothing. That's how things stand for now."

Ferrero will have a lot of choices but is edging away from teaming up with someone who was in a similar position to Alcaraz. "A bit more relaxed, yes," he stated.

"My relationship with Carlos started when he was very young; it took a lot of time to develop him in all areas of the game and refine his playing style. Now I'd prefer a more established player, someone who's already more developed and doesn't require me to be at 200% every single day. I'm sure opportunities will arise, so I hope to come back strong."

This will most certainly be on the ATP circuit, not the WTA. "I've had many offers, but for now I'd say no. Ultimately, what I know best is the ATP circuit, where I usually operate and where I know the players. Anything could be a good opportunity, I'm not ruling it out at all, but my focus right now is on the men's circuit."

The rumours around him joining Sinner's camp make sense due to Darren Cahill departing at the end of the year. "The people who follow Carlitos want what's best for him, so they might be upset to see me on Jannik's team. If this had happened a month after we broke up, they might have thought I was doing it out of revenge or to spite him.

"Beyond all that, now that the relationship is over and a year has passed, what I'm trying to do is focus on my growth as a coach, on how to improve my career. The name shouldn't really matter, although if it were Jannik, I know people might think that. People have to respect my decision and, above all, understand that if I were to join Jannik's team in the future, it would never be to spite Carlos."

It is around 10 months since Alcaraz and Ferrero split. That is a long time and enough for Ferrero to assess his options. He stated his overall ambition.

"To grow as a coach and to have had the opportunity to work with two of the best players of this generation. Just because I coached Carlos doesn't mean I can't coach his biggest rival. That's how the competitive world is; sometimes you're with one group, and then with another. I just ask people to respect whatever decision I ultimately make. I would never wish anything bad for Carlos."

Now a neutral in this discussion, Ferrero finds it hard to pick in between the two class acts on the ATP Tour. They both have shown their class in 2026, although injuries have dented their progress. Alcaraz has only been briefly back following his wrist issue with Sinner's season over following knee problems.

"It's hard to pick just one," Ferrero admired. "What Jannik has achieved since the beginning of the year, winning so many Masters 1000 titles, is truly remarkable. Right now, the best of them all is the one up there."

He also added another name entering this esteemed group. "We also can't underestimate what Sascha has accomplished; some say he did it because the others weren't there, but Sascha has always been there, competing against Jannik and Carlos. It's true he never quite beat them, but he was always very close, so let's let him enjoy this moment. With this newfound confidence, he'll surely be able to compete on equal terms with them."

He gave his opinion. "We could give it to either of them, they're both amazing players, it's hard to choose. Heart-wise I'd go with Carlos, but based on numbers we'd have to go with Jannik."