French media reports that Alcaraz will bring Ferrero back by the end of the year, while Kokkinakis claims his comeback involved a deadly Achilles tendon transplant.

Recently, a French media article sparked heated discussions online, suggesting that the phenomenal duo of Alcaraz and Ferrero is destined for a historic reunion. The reason: the young world No.1 is expected to pay a heavy price this year for parting ways with his legendary coach!

The article claims, “After what was considered a ‘mediocre’ season, Spain’s rising star Carlos Alcaraz is deeply reflecting on his future.” The media even made a striking prediction: “By the end of 2026, Ferrero will once again be coaching Alcaraz.”

This mentor-student pair once achieved great success, winning multiple Grand Slam titles and propelling Alcaraz to the top of the world rankings. However, at the end of last year, they abruptly announced the end of their collaboration, sparking concerns about Alcaraz’s performance in the new season.

Regarding the French media’s commentary, tennis legend Courier commented on social media: “Ferrero laid the foundation for Alcaraz’s tactical system and mental strength; he is truly vital to him!” Another analyst expressed caution: “It depends on whether Alcaraz believes the issues are technical or tactical, or just physical and form fluctuations. Reuniting may not simply replicate past successes.”

Some fans remarked, “Now all the pressure is on the current coach. If there’s no progress this season, we won’t have to wait until the end of 2026. But anyway, fans hope neither party is too negatively affected by this event, especially Alcaraz, as he is currently in a crucial phase competing with Sinner.”

While speculation about Alcaraz’s future grows, Australian player Kokkinakis revealed a shocking medical story upon his return at the Brisbane tournament. He disclosed that he had undergone an extremely unusual surgery, saying, “I have a deceased person’s Achilles tendon in my arm.”

Kokkinakis elaborated that to treat a severe arm injury that troubled him for a long time, he consulted many surgeons, including Nadal’s doctor. Ultimately, he underwent a surgery transplanting donated Achilles tendon tissue from a deceased donor into his arm.

The Australian star said in an interview, “Some days, I felt it was impossible to return to the court.” He admitted the recovery process was full of darkness and uncertainty. Using Achilles tendon grafts to repair other ligament or tendon injuries is not mainstream in sports medicine but is a viable reinforcement option for certain complex injuries. This requires athletes to overcome huge psychological and physical challenges.

However, his experience sparked intense discussion online. One fan said, “My goodness! This sounds like a sci-fi movie plot… ‘bio-engineered warrior’? It’s terrifying!” Another commented, “It must take tremendous willpower to accept and overcome all this. From now on, watching him play will be with great respect.”

Will Alcaraz “turn back”? How much longer will Kokkinakis’s “rebirth” extend his career? Their stories add a narrative depth beyond tennis itself to the 2026 season right from the start. What will happen next? Let’s wait and see.(Source: Tennis Home, Author: Lu Xiaotian)