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Ferrero's Next Coaching Star: Jodar Eyed
9 Oct
Summary
- Ferrero confirmed coaching return next season, identity unknown.
- Flavio Cobolli's father chased Ferrero for two years unsuccessfully.
- Rafael Jodar has tremendous potential and drive, Ferrero notes.
Juan Carlos Ferrero, the 2003 French Open champion, has announced his intention to return to coaching for the upcoming season. This revelation, made on September 15, has led to intense speculation about which player he will mentor. Several names, including Jannik Sinner and Holger Rune, were floated as possibilities.
However, Italian player Flavio Cobolli will not be Ferrero's next student, as his father and coach, Stefano Cobolli, confirmed Ferrero had previously declined the offer. In contrast, Ferrero expressed strong interest in coaching the young Spanish talent Rafael Jodar, praising his "tremendous potential" and "drive."
Jodar, currently ranked No. 11 after a strong 2026 season that included a Masters 1000 semifinal and French Open quarterfinal, is reportedly looking to add two Spanish coaches for 2027. Ferrero's history of guiding young Spanish players to the top makes him a compelling candidate.
The article also touches on the prevalent "father-coach" dynamic in tennis, citing successful pairings like Alexander Zverev and his father, and Ben Shelton and his father. However, it also notes potential challenges, as seen with Stefanos Tsitsipas's fluctuating relationship with his father-coach.
