The shadow of Ferrero looms over Jódar: Will he be the chosen one?

Rafael Jódar and Juan Carlos Ferrero. For many, the tandem is ideal: an association that works almost on its own, combining one of the best coaches in our country in the last century with the most promising player project (once the previous most promising project, Carlos Alcaraz, is already a reality... after being shaped by Ferrero himself). The rumors are burning with desires to see this union, and speculation is fueled by the timing of the recent announcements, causing Juan Carlos's shadow to loom ceaselessly over Rafa's team.

Juanki's statements unleashed a wave of speculation that continues to roam freely. The Jódar option is undoubtedly one of the most logical: an ideal moment to start working with him, a very high ceiling, a mature character removed from profiles with which he had bad experiences (Zverev), a lot of room for tactical and technical improvement, and geographical proximity to spend parts of the season in Villena. Juan Carlos's Academy would also provide a first-class professional structure for a still novice Jódar on the circuit; the only reason that might generate concern, perhaps, is fitting Rafa's father into this structure. Would he accept taking a step back? Would he be comfortable being the second in command? Would he have a specialized role in the physical aspect? Questions without answers... for now.

1. RAFA JÓDAR

He is the PERFECT fit for both. I told you a couple of months ago that Jódar and his father had TWO names on the table to decide whom they would choose for 2027. Ferrero's could be one of them.

The timing aligns. Ferrero's contract ends... pic.twitter.com/FcbzVmL3Eq

— José Morón (@jmgmoron) September 16, 2026

Jódar reveals how 2026 is going with his father... and leaves very interesting remarks

From Chile, where he is preparing to debut in Copa Davis with Spain, the player from Leganés remains aloof from all controversy, focused on the goal of taking Spain to the Finals. The timing continues to work in a curious way: just after Juan Carlos's statements, Rafa was asked again in Movistar about the experience of spending several months with his father as his only companion on the circuit, leaving very curious remarks that, between the lines, could make us think that the announcement of a new coach for 2027 is closer than ever.

🫂 "That my father is alone in the box is something unusual. We get along very well and are learning from each mistake".

Rafa Jódar and his relationship with his father -and coach-.

📺 The tie between Spain and Chile in the #CopaDavis, included in the Plan Libre 9,99€ from @MovistarPlus. pic.twitter.com/eibkXVskFZ

— Movistar Plus Deportes (@MPlusDeportes) September 16, 2026

"The fact that my father is alone in the box is something unusual in the circuit, as most players have many people in their box. It is true that this is my first year in the circuit, so we are trying to learn from every mistake we make, and from what goes well to try to do the same next year or, even, learn from the mistakes.

I think this year everything is working. Things are going well, we get along very well, he is with me almost every week, traveling with me. I know that is not easy, living with someone every week. We are doing great, we've had a very good relationship since we were little, and I know he wants the best for me, which is the most important." Wise and mature words that he has already expressed on several occasions, but which neither confirm nor deny the arrival of a new coach to polish a diamond in the rough... with Juan Carlos Ferrero waiting to announce a new project What if he does?

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, La sombra de Ferrero planea sobre Jódar: ¿será el elegido?