David Ferrer tipped as Carlos Alcaraz’s next coach

Brad Gilbert has predicted that Carlos Alcaraz will hire David Ferrer as his next coach.

Gilbert made the claim on the latest episode of the Big T podcast.

He said he “would not be surprised” if Alcaraz makes a move this off-season.

Alcaraz has been without his longtime coach Juan Carlos Ferrero since last year.

Ferrero left Alcaraz’s team around this time in 2025.

Since then, Alcaraz has relied on Samu Lopez to guide his development.

No major addition has been made to replace Ferrero.

That may change very soon.

Ferrer is currently the captain of Spain’s Davis Cup team.

He is stepping down from that role, according to Gilbert.

“He’s all of a sudden stopping as the Davis Cup captain,” Gilbert said.

“Everyone thinks now that that’s a perfect solution to go to Jodar.”

Rafael Jodar is a rising Spanish player who many expect to work with Ferrer.

But Gilbert sees a different path.

“I would not be surprised if Alcaraz makes a move this off-season,” he said.

The comment came during a discussion about recent coaching changes in men’s tennis.

Jannik Sinner and Ben Shelton have both made headlines with their new coaching setups.

Shelton hired Juan Carlos Ferrero — Alcaraz’s former coach — earlier this week.

That move stunned the tennis world.

Gilbert believes more top players will follow suit.

“I expect at least two, three, more guys in the top ten to make big changes,” he said.

“And I expect two, three, women, probably, that are playing the year-end championships, to make changes.”

Alcaraz is currently competing at the Rolex Paris Masters.

He reached the quarterfinals after Matteo Berrettini withdrew with arm pain.

Alcaraz will face Taylor Fritz on Friday, November 6, 2026.

Fritz beat Arthur Fils 6-3, 6-4 to set up the match.

It was Fritz’s 100th win at ATP Masters 1000 level.

Alcaraz has won two ATP titles since returning from injury at the US Open in September.

He is playing some of his best tennis again.

But the coaching question has lingered all season.

Ferrero’s departure left a gap that has not been officially filled.

Samu Lopez has done the job quietly.

Now, with Ferrer available, the timing may be right.

Ferrer is a former world No. 3 and a Grand Slam finalist.

He knows Spanish tennis inside out.

He has captained Spain’s Davis Cup team with success.

His playing style — relentless, tactical, never giving up — mirrors what Alcaraz needs.

Alcaraz has spoken about the challenge of adapting to fast courts in Paris.

He lost to Novak Djokovic and Alexander Zverev in previous editions.

He is seeking his first Paris Masters title.

A new coach could help him solve those problems.

Gilbert’s prediction is not a confirmation.

No official announcement has been made by Alcaraz or his team.

But the rumor has already started circulating.

Ferrer has not commented publicly on the speculation.

Alcaraz has not addressed it either.