Ferrero Reflects on His Time With Zverev
Juan Carlos Ferrero spent just seven months working alongside Alexander Zverev, from July 2017 through February 2018, and the partnership ended sourly after a shock third-round exit at the Australian Open. Ferrero later cited a difference in how the two interpreted professionalism, though he has always been careful to acknowledge their contrasting backgrounds and habits. In a recent interview with Spanish outlet AS, Ferrero struck a more generous tone, insisting that Zverev's 2026 Roland Garros title should not be diminished by the fact that rivals were unavailable through injury. He even reached out personally to congratulate Zverev after the win. Ferrero pointed out that Zverev has always competed hard against the very best, including Carlos Alcaraz, in closely contested matches across numerous tournaments. During Ferrero's time coaching Alcaraz, the two players split their meetings six wins apiece, underscoring just how tight their rivalry has been.
Why the Sinner Connection Could Backfire
With Darren Cahill widely expected to step away from coaching at the close of this season, Jannik Sinner will likely need a new lead voice in his corner. Ferrero has made no secret of his interest, openly acknowledging in the same AS interview that coaching someone of Sinner's calibre would represent a major opportunity for his own development. He added, diplomatically, that he would never act against Alcaraz regardless of whom he coaches next. However, the sheer volume of narrative surrounding an Alcaraz-adjacent coach guiding his biggest rival could prove counterproductive. The Sinner-Alcaraz dynamic has been one of the most refreshing rivalries on the ATP Tour in recent memory, built on genuine mutual respect. Other names in the frame, including David Ferrer and Carlos Moya, carry far less complicated baggage. TennisDraw users picking finalists for the upcoming indoor hard-court events will find Sinner's coaching situation worth watching closely as it could reshape the contender landscape heading into 2027.
