Juan Carlos Ferrero confirms ATP Tour return in 2027 and sets date to reveal new player

Thursday, 29 October 2026 at 06:30

Juan Carlos Ferrero has confirmed that he will return to the ATP Tour as a coach in 2027, revealing that he has already reached an agreement with a player whose identity will be announced on November 9.

The former world No. 1 has spent much of 2026 away from the professional circuit following the end of his successful partnership with Carlos Alcaraz in December 2025. Their collaboration lasted more than seven years and produced multiple Grand Slam titles and the world No. 1 ranking.

Since their separation, Ferrero has been linked with several players, but he has kept his plans for the next stage of his coaching career largely private.

Speaking to Eurosport, Ferrero confirmed that his next professional move is already settled. However, he declined to reveal the name of his new player or provide further details about the agreement, leaving the tennis world to wait until the announcement date.

Speculation has particularly surrounded Rafael Jódar, the Spanish prospect who has attracted attention with his rapid progress on the professional circuit. Ferrero was asked about the possibility of working with the young player but stopped short of confirming any connection.

Ferrero confirms agreement and sets November 9 announcement

Ferrero made clear that his priority for the coming season is to return to the tour, and he has already taken the decisive step of securing a new coaching partnership. The announcement will follow several months of uncertainty about his future after his split from Alcaraz, with the Spaniard now preparing to return to the sidelines at the highest level.

“I can already say that I have reached an agreement with a player. On November 9, it will come to light,” Ferrero said, confirming that the identity of his next player will soon become public. “Right now, I can’t give details. Who it will be, whether I would like it or not…”

Juan Carlos Ferrero celebrates Alcaraz' victory at US Open 2025 final against Jannik Sinner.

Juan Carlos Ferrero during 2025 US Open final

The former coach of Alcaraz was equally clear that he would not reveal further information before the announcement. When asked about the identity of the player and whether it was someone he particularly wanted to coach, Ferrero maintained his position, offering no confirmation of the names circulating in tennis discussions.

Jódar remains one of the names attracting attention because of his rapid rise and the praise he has received from established figures in Spanish tennis. However, Ferrero’s comments do not confirm that the pair will work together.

Ferrero praises Jódar’s potential but leaves questions unanswered

Although he would not disclose his next player, Ferrero spoke highly of Jódar’s progress and the qualities that have made him one of Spain’s most promising prospects. T

“He is an impressive player. Rafa has had a really impressive year, with a meteoric rise, without a doubt," Ferrero said. "And, as we have discussed before, he has a spectacular relationship with his father."

Ferrero also welcomed the prospect of Spain producing another player capable of challenging for the biggest titles, pointing to the country’s wider strength in developing young tennis talent.

“His father has known how to guide him perfectly so far," the former French Open champion added. "They deserve admiration and congratulations. I think he is a young player with a very high ceiling who is going to aspire to great things."

Read also

Ferrero also mentioned Martín Landaluce as another Spanish player showing encouraging progress, underlining the depth of emerging talent in the country. Nevertheless, his comments about Jódar should not be interpreted as confirmation that the teenager is the player he will coach next season.

The announcement on November 9 should finally resolve the uncertainty surrounding Ferrero’s next move. After a year away from coaching on the ATP Tour, the former world No. 1 is preparing to return in 2027 with a new player and a fresh project. Until then, the identity of his next pupil remains a secret.

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.

See author's posts

claps 0visitors 0

Novak Djokovic admits he was ‘rusty’ in Basel as ATP Finals race heats up

Aryna Sabalenka named the world’s most marketable athlete in 2026