ATP Juan Carlos Ferrero Flavio Cobolli

"Ferrero has told me no three or four times"

Fernando Murciego - 7 Oct 2026
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Juan Carlos Ferrero rejects the offer to coach Flavio Cobolli. Source: Getty

Today Juan Carlos Ferrero gave an interview with Punto de Break discussing his future in 2027. Who will the former world number one coach next season? Many names are being considered, although some seem to be ruled out. For example, that of Flavio Cobolli.

Stefano Cobolli, Flavio's father and coach, has revealed that he has been trying for years to convince the former world number one to take charge of his son. Cobolli himself shared the curious episode during an appearance on Tennis Talk, a SuperTennis program. “I have tried; I have been trying for years to have him as Flavio's coach,” explained the Italian. However, his efforts have never been successful. Ferrero has turned down the proposal several times: “He has told me no three or four times. I can say it openly, there is no problem.”

A profile that Cobolli sees as suitable for Alcaraz

Stefano Cobolli's insistence is not casual. Flavio's father believes that Ferrero has very specific characteristics as a coach and thinks that his personality fits especially well with certain players. In fact, when asked about the profile of the player he could coach in the future, he had a clear response.

“I see Ferrero as more suitable for a person like Alcaraz, that is, by character,” he explained. This reflection is particularly striking after the years of success they both shared, which took the Murcian to the top of world tennis. Meanwhile, Flavio Cobolli has continued to grow under his father's guidance. The Italian is going through one of the best phases of his career and has the ATP Finals as one of his major goals in this final stretch of the season. Stefano has been a fundamental figure in this evolution, although he acknowledges that their professional relationship has not always been straightforward.

The curious account also leaves a door open for the future. Ferrero recently explained that he has nothing set in stone and will only return to the circuit if a project truly excites him. For now, Cobolli knows he will have to keep looking: his candidate has been saying no for several years.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, “Ferrero me ha dicho que no tres o cuatro veces”