Ferrero revealed that Sinner has invited him multiple times, with netizens jokingly calling Alcaraz the tennis world’s Fan Shengmei.

Recently, Ferrero, Alcaraz’s former coach, spoke to Spain’s Marca and revealed that he was approached with a coaching proposal from Sinner, currently ranked second in the world, sparking a sensation in the tennis world.

During the interview, Ferrero mentioned that Sinner, Alcaraz’s main competitor, has offered him a chance to work together. However, he did not fully confirm whether he would join Sinner’s team, emphasizing his current attachment to Alcaraz and stating that he needs two to three months of calm to recover from his pain.

When asked if he would accept Sinner’s invitation if it came again in the future, Ferrero admitted he would need to “think it over carefully,” but stressed that now is not the time to make a decision.

He confessed, “They are all outstanding players, but as I said before, this is not the moment to consider such matters or make a yes-or-no decision. The most important thing now is to get through this difficult period because I am still thinking about Alcaraz every day; it’s not the time to focus on others.”

Regarding this choice, Ferrero explained the reason: although their cooperation has ended, their relationship is not completely severed, so joining Sinner’s team would be inappropriate at this time.

“From our perspective, cutting ties entirely makes neither sense nor benefit for him and his team. I want us to part on good terms,” Ferrero explained. “Disagreements on certain issues do not mean we are no longer friends or that we don’t maintain a good relationship.”

In response, former ATP player Robby Khenig commented, “Ferrero was a key figure in Alcaraz’s rise, and his departure was a shock. Now with Sinner possibly stepping in, it shows the fierce competition among top players for elite coaches is intensifying. If Ferrero joins Sinner, it could shift the balance of power in tennis.”

Another expert, Gil Gross, added, “Ferrero’s coaching style is known for technical skill and mental toughness, which fits well with Sinner’s composed playing style. But emotional factors are crucial—trust between coach and player takes time to build, and Ferrero’s loyalty to Alcaraz might influence his decision.”

On social media, netizens’ comments escalated the situation. One joked, “Alcaraz is like Fan Shengmei, with his father interfering in his life, being the family’s cash cow, and now his coach is being ‘poached.’ It’s like a tennis version of ‘Ode to Joy’!” This comment received thousands of likes.

Another highly liked comment read, “Ferrero says he’s thinking of Alcaraz, but his actions honestly consider Sinner’s offer. This drama is more exciting than a tennis match!” Some analyzed, “Fan Shengmei is a family sacrifice; Alcaraz seems similar in this mentor-mentee relationship—relying on Ferrero to grow and achieve everything, yet facing turmoil at home and his father’s interference. His future is truly worrisome.”

Some fans defended Alcaraz: “Stop making wild comparisons! Alcaraz is a top talent, and Ferrero’s departure was a professional choice respected by both sides. Alcaraz will find a new coach and continue to shine.”

In professional tennis, coach-player separations and reunions are common, and coaches joining rival teams after leaving is not surprising. For example, China’s top player Zheng Qinwen once dismissed her coach, Pere Riba, due to her father’s interference. Riba expressed reluctance to join another team soon, but soon after, he joined Gauff’s team and helped her win her first Grand Slam title at the 2023 US Open.

Therefore, it is hard to predict Ferrero’s final decision. In the highly professional world of tennis, any future twists would not be surprising. What do you think? Feel free to share your opinions and thoughts in the comments section.(Source: Tennis Home, Author: Lu Xiaotian)