Top coach warns Jannik Sinner: “That gives Alcaraz an advantage”

Carlos Alcaraz’s former coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero, announced in recent days that he will return to coaching an ATP-tour player in 2027, though he did not reveal the player’s name. Speculation has been rife, and among the names mentioned is Jannik Sinner, who may part ways with Darren Cahill at the end of the year. In the past, Ferrero himself had expressed openness to the possibility of coaching the world’s No. 1 Italian player, and the relationship between the two has always been very cordial.

However, world-renowned coach Rick Macci, former coach of Serena Williams, has strongly advised the South Tyrolean against relying on Ferrero: “If Ferrero ended up coaching or helping Sinner, I really don’t think it would be a threat to Alcaraz. In fact, it would be the opposite,” he wrote on X.

According to Macci, Alcaraz is the true favorite: “Carlos would be even more motivated to beat him. I truly believe it would help Carlos more than anything else if they were to face each other. Alcaraz would have the mental edge, and he’d try everything to beat them both. Adversity makes greatness even stronger. And greatness always finds that extra gear.”

Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz could face off again in Beijing, five months after their only meeting in 2026—the Monte Carlo final won by the South Tyrolean. Sinner is working to get back to 100% after resolving his knee issue, while the Murcian, who has already returned at the U.S. Open, hopes to further improve his physical condition.