Ferrero hints at returning to ATP coaching at year-end, retired player receives doping charge and four-year ban

Recently, significant news emerged from outside the tennis court. Former world No. 1 and Alcaraz's mentor Ferrero hinted in an interview with DAZN that he might return to ATP coaching at the end of the year, sparking widespread speculation about his future direction. Meanwhile, the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) announced a four-year ban for former Australian player Matosevic, with shocking details of his doping violations.

Ferrero is currently collaborating with golfer Angel Ayora, but he clearly stated in the interview that tennis remains his future direction, "There are new challenges waiting for me. I'm working with Angel now, but there might be a surprise by the end of this year."

This statement immediately sparked heated discussion in tennis circles. Ferrero has been in a "semi-retired" state since ending his long-term partnership with Alcaraz at the end of 2025. Now, hinting at a return by year-end, the general consensus is that he has already identified a new coaching target.

Currently, the most prevalent speculation points in two directions. Tennis.com analysis notes that many believe Ferrero could become the coach of Spanish rising star Hodar. The 17-year-old Hodar, hailed as "the next Alcaraz," has shown impressive performances in junior tournaments recently. If Ferrero takes on his development, it would create a beautiful "master-apprentice succession" story for Spanish tennis.

Another viewpoint links Ferrero with Sinner. A BBC Sport tennis columnist pointed out that Sinner's team has experienced recent fluctuations, and if Ferrero joins, it would form a top-tier setup of "former world No. 1 + current world No. 1." "This hype is not baseless—Ferrero's experience nurturing Alcaraz is highly attractive to Sinner's team."

Netizens reacted enthusiastically. A fan commented, "Ferrero coaching Alcaraz then Sinner? That would really shake up the tennis world." Another joked, "If Ferrero goes to coach Sinner, will Alcaraz cry himself unconscious in the bathroom?" There were also rational voices suggesting, "Hodar is more likely; nurturing the next Spanish genius aligns better with Ferrero's path."

Additionally, another tennis news item: the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) recently announced that former Australian player Matosevic (retired), once ranked No. 39 in the world, was found guilty by an independent tribunal of five doping violations and received a four-year ban, eligible to resume activities on March 15, 2030.

The tribunal ruling revealed that Matosevic committed multiple violations between 2018 and 2020, including using blood doping methods, advising other players to avoid positive tests, using clenbuterol (a prohibited substance), among others. Even more shocking, he also attempted to persuade other players to evade drug testing.

The 38-year-old Australian initially denied all charges but recently admitted in media that he had used banned substances. The ITIA noted that he refused to cooperate with the investigation and did not attend the hearing in February this year, leading to enhanced penalties. Prize money he earned during Challenger events in 2018 was also fully revoked.

Australia's Sydney Morning Herald commented that this is the most severe doping scandal in Australian tennis in recent years. Matosevic had coached several young players; now, with a four-year ban, "his career is essentially over."

An ESPN tennis analyst pointed out that the severity of the Matosevic case lies in its "systematic violations"—not only using drugs himself but also attempting to persuade others. "Such behavior damages the credibility of tennis far more than an individual ban itself. Refusing to cooperate with the investigation and not attending the hearing, these aggravating factors show he has no respect for the rules."

Netizens reacted strongly. An Australian fan posted, "So shameful, he tarnished Australian tennis's reputation. Violations started in 2018, and only now a ban—ITIA's actions are too slow." Another sarcastically remarked, "Advising others to avoid testing? That's not an athlete, that's a drug dealer." There were also calls for stricter oversight: "Blood doping methods should warrant a lifetime ban; four years is too lenient."

Ferrero's "year-end surprise" leaves a suspenseful question for tennis—will he take on the Spanish rising star or join Sinner's camp? The answer might only be revealed at year-end. Meanwhile, Matosevic's ban serves as another warning for anti-doping efforts: the cost of systematic violations is far heavier than imagined. Two news stories, one positive and one negative, together sketch the complex picture of professional tennis beyond the courts.(Source: Tennis Home Author: Lu Xiaotian)