Carlos Alcaraz’s Ex-Coach Juan Carlos Ferrero Makes ‘Revenge’ Claims Amid Rumors of Jannik Sinner Future Collaboration

Juan Carlos Ferrero and Carlos Alcaraz split last December, ending a highly successful collaboration that saw the youngster lift 24 singles titles, including six Grand Slam wins. Ferrero chose not to coach another tennis player right after that split and instead joined Spanish golfer Angel Ayora‘s team.

Recently, in an interview, Ferrero said, “I’m going to return to the tennis circuit, but I can’t say with whom.” But now, during his interview with Punto de Break, the 2003 French Open champion said his quotes were taken out of context, and that he didn’t say, “who I would come back with, it was because I had absolutely nothing.” Ferrero has also made it clear that he will only coach if the partnership excites him.

When Ferrero talked about his return, many from the tennis world started speculating about a Jannik Sinner partnership. Reacting to the same, Ferrero, during his interview with Punto de Break, said:

The people who follow Carlitos want the best for him; it might bother them to see me on Jannik’s team… If this had happened a month after the relationship ended, they might have thought I was doing it out of revenge or to mess with him.

Also, when asked to choose between Sinner and Alcaraz, Ferrero said he would choose his former protege for the heart, but the five-time Grand Slam champion for the numbers.

Beyond all that, once the relationship is over and a year has already passed, what I’m trying to do now is focus on my growth as a coach, on how to improve my career. The name shouldn’t matter much, though if it were Jannik, I know people might think that. People have to respect my decision and, above all, know that if I ever joined Jannik’s team in the future, it would never be to mess with Carlos.

Juan Carlos Ferrero added

Sinner is recovering from a knee injury and has ended his 2026 season. The 25-year-old last competed in the final of Wimbledon, which he won by defeating Alexander Zverev.

Carlos Alcaraz defends his title at the Japan Open

Carlos Alcaraz won his third title of the season at the Japan Open, defending his title by beating Jiri Lehecka. It was his first title since his return to the tour after recovering from his wrist injury.

It’s been a while, and obviously it is extra special after my injury. My comeback, in the second tournament that I’ve played, lifting a trophy means a lot. I’m really happy about it. A tough week. I didn’t find my best level, but I did find the good solutions, and I think that is what matters at the end. Playing the most important points the best you can. I think I did it this week. I would say today was the best match of the week, or at least more consistent, the level that I played.

Carlos Alcaraz said after the match (H/T: ATP Tour)

The Spaniard will next be competing at the Shanghai Masters, where he is a one-time quarterfinalist, reaching the stage in 2024. He skipped the tournament last year due to an injury.

Alcaraz last won a Masters 1000 title at the 2025 Cincinnati Masters after receiving the walkover from Jannik Sinner. He also reached the final of this year’s Monte-Carlo Masters but lost it to the World No.1.

Before that defeat, the seven-time Grand Slam champion won back-to-back titles at the Australian Open and the Qatar Open by beating Novak Djokovic and Arthur Fils, respectively. So far in his career, the 23-year-old has won eight Masters 1000 titles.

Also read: Novak Djokovic Reveals His ‘Biggest Motivation’ After Ousting Alexander Zverev in Beijing: “I Can Still Beat the Best Players”