Rennae Stubbs Advises Rafael Jodar to Hire Carlos Alcaraz’s Ex-Coach Juan Carlos Ferrero

Rafael Jodar‘s father, Rafael Jodar Sr., is a constant presence in his box during tournaments because he is also the 19-year-old’s coach. But Serena Williams‘ coach, Rennae Stubbs, thinks Jodar has to change his coach one day, advising him to hire someone like Juan Carlos Ferrero, who is also Carlos Alcaraz‘s former coach.

Ferrero and Alcaraz split last year due to failed contract negotiations. The Spanish coach guided Alcaraz to the No.1 ranking and six Grand Slam titles. The Major that Alcaraz lifted without Ferrero’s guidance was this year’s Australian Open by defeating Novak Djokovic. The 2003 French Open champion is currently coaching Spanish golfer Angel Ayora.

Ferrero has repeatedly made it clear that he wants to return to the tennis tour as a coach.

Perhaps Rafael could add someone to his team who could bring something extra, like Juan Carlos Ferrero. Someone who could give him that extra dimension, knowing how to handle the emotions of a semi-final or a final, as well as how to deal with the press… His father has done an excellent job and is a lovely person, but taking the next step to win the biggest titles will not be easy.

Rennae Stubbs said on The Rennae Stubbs Tennis Podcast

Jodar was last seen in action in the fourth round of the ongoing Cincinnati Masters. Playing in the event for the first time, Jodar lost to Flavio Cobolli in three sets. Jodar made his ATP Tour debut this year and has already played two finals, winning the Grand Prix Hassan II by defeating Marco Trungelliti. He later reached the final of the Citi Open but lost the title to home favorite Taylor Fritz.

On the clay swing, Jodar made a deep run in every tournament, also reaching the quarterfinals of the French Open. Jodar produced his best Masters 1000 performance at the Canadian Open, reaching the semifinals before losing the title to eventual runner-up Brandon Nakashima.

Rick Macci explains why Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner are better than the rest

Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz are clearly a cut above the rest, as they have dominated on the tour since the 2024 season, winning a combined 10 Grand Slam titles. Serena Williams’ former coach, Rick Macci, however, doesn’t see anyone who can challenge the World No.1 and the World No.2 at present.

[Joao] Fonseca can definitely be in the mix. A lot of those guys are going to go into the top five because they’re so young. But the way Sinner plays – he has firepower off both sides, and he can produce quality off of quality. He’s hitting the ball 80 miles an hour eight times in a row, and holding the baseline.

Rick Macci told Tennis365

Both Alcaraz and Sinner are recovering from injuries. Alcaraz injured his wrist during the Barcelona Open, while Sinner is dealing with a knee injury. Both players withdrew from the Cincinnati Masters.

And his mind’s made of granite — that’s why he’s number one on the planet! He has the most important thing, he doesn’t have all the motor skills like Carlos. Alcaraz, he checks every box. The only time he gets in trouble is when he has too many options. But what a good situation… his toughest opponent, a lot of times, is in the mirror. It’s not the other guy.

Rick Macci added

Alcaraz and Sinner will be hoping to be back for the US Open, where they met in the final last year. The 23-year-old defeated the 25-year-old in four sets, winning his second title in the tournament.

Also read: Coco Gauff Speaks on Potentially Playing With Carlos Alcaraz in Mixed Doubles