Ruud Hires David Ferrer as New Coach
The former world number 3 will take over Casper Ruud's coaching once his Spanish Davis Cup commitment ends.
Updated on Nov. 8, 2026 in Tennis
Casper Ruud will hire David Ferrer as his new coach after Ferrer completes his role as captain of Spain's Davis Cup team. Ferrer announced on October 15 that he would leave the captaincy following the Davis Cup Finals in Bologna.
Why it matters
Ruud's career has slowed considerably in recent times, and he needs to rebuild confidence and competitiveness. Ferrer, who previously worked with Alexander Zverev, brings experience at the top level of the sport.
Ruud, 27, reached a career-high No. 2 in 2022 and has played three Grand Slam finals without a major title, currently ranking No. 23. His only final in 2026 came at the Rome Masters 1000, and it is not yet known how quickly Ferrer's guidance will affect those results.
The players
Casper Ruud
Norwegian tennis player who reached a career-high No. 2 in the world in 2022 and has reached three Grand Slam finals without winning one.
David Ferrer
Former Spanish world number 3 and longtime top-ten competitor who is now captain of Spain's Davis Cup team and will become Ruud's coach.
Alexander Zverev
German tennis player who previously worked with Ferrer as a coach between 2020 and 2021.
The details
Eurosport España first reported the arrangement, which will see Ferrer begin coaching Ruud only after he completes his commitment as captain of the Spanish Davis Cup team. Ferrer's final task in the role is the Davis Cup Final 8 in Bologna, which will try to give Spain one last Davis Cup before he departs.
Timeline
October 15: Ferrer announced he would leave Spain's Davis Cup captaincy.
2020 to 2021: Ferrer worked alongside Alexander Zverev.
2022: Ruud reached No. 2 in the world rankings.
November 24 to 29: Davis Cup Final 8 in Bologna, Ferrer's last commitment before joining Ruud.
Season Trajectory
The move comes as Ruud sits at No. 23 after reaching his peak at No. 2 in 2022, and it follows Ferrer's earlier work with Alexander Zverev in 2020 and 2021. Ruud's only 2026 final in Rome leaves him needing a sustained rebound to reenter the top tier of the men's game.
For fantasy and betting followers, Ruud's current No. 23 ranking and his limited 2026 results make his near-term performance harder to project until Ferrer's guidance begins. The Davis Cup Final 8 in Bologna, running November 24 to 29, offers an early look at Ferrer's influence on the team before he moves to Ruud's corner.
The takeaway
Coaching changes at the mid-career stage can reset a player's approach, and Ruud's move to work with Ferrer signals a focus on rebuilding consistency rather than chasing a sudden breakthrough. Readers following Ruud should watch his results over the coming months to judge whether the partnership is working.
What happens next
Ferrer's final commitment as Spain's Davis Cup captain is the Davis Cup Final 8 in Bologna from November 24 to 29, after which he is expected to begin coaching Ruud.
Further reading
Explore more coverage in the Tennis section for context on players and coaching changes on the tour.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Tennis World USA.
