Former world number one Juan Carlos Ferrero has agreed to join Ben Shelton’s coaching setup, partnering with the world number four as he seeks to reach the pinnacle of men’s tennis. Ferrero previously coached Carlos Alcaraz from age 15, transforming his fellow Spaniard from what he once called a “piece of spaghetti” into a seven-time Grand Slam champion before the pair unexpectedly split at the end of 2025 after six major titles together.
Shelton had placed the Spanish coach at the top of his wish list when seeking to add an elite outside voice to his team. Ferrero, who has largely stayed off the ATP Tour since departing Alcaraz’s camp, held exploratory discussions with several top-20 players and young talents about a 2027 comeback. However, he only pursued detailed contract terms with the 24-year-old American left-hander. The 24-year-old American already possesses weapons which can inflict serious damage, with explosive power and supreme athleticism. But can he achieve success with someone other than Alcaraz, the 45-year-old used his new book to further promote his reputation as a ‘supercoach’. Ferrero always had an eye on coming back in 2027 and held exploratory conversations with a mixture of top-20 stars and younger talents.
under the agreement, the 45-year-old Ferrero will work alongside Shelton’s father and primary coach, Bryan Shelton, covering between 10 and 12 tournaments next season, including all four Grand Slams. The formal partnership begins during a upcoming U.S. off-season training camp, though Ferrero is attending next week’s ATP Finals in Turin as an observer. It acted as a reminder of the work he still has to do and the consistency he needs to find.
“Juan Carlos is one of the great minds in tennis,” Shelton said of the 2003 French Open champion. “His experience of winning at the highest level and developing champions will be a huge asset to our team.” But he has become known to a younger generation as the coach who guided Alcaraz to the pinnacle of the sport, ferrero enjoyed a stellar playing career and won the 2003 French Open. But there are obvious reasons why it suits both parties.
Ferrero echoed that enthusiasm about the assignment, noting: “Ben has extraordinary talent, power and character. I’m looking forward to contributing my experience and working together with everyone to help Ben achieve his ambitions.”
Shelton has established himself as a fixture inside the world’s top 20 across the past four seasons. His resume features seven ATP Tour singles titles, highlighted by two Canadian Open Masters 1000 crowns in 2025 and 2026. Armed with explosive power and elite athleticism, he reached his maiden Grand Slam final at the US Open two months ago. It is an opportunity to tap into a mind that knows how to win major titles and has the inside track on the world’s very best, for US Open runner-up Shelton.
During that Flushing Meadows run, Shelton notched the biggest win of his career by beating an undercooked Alcaraz in the quarter-finals. Though enhanced defensive work and a improved backhand carried him to the final, his execution faltered in crucial moments during a championship match loss to newly crowned world number one Alexander Zverev. Shelton’s vulnerability to sudden dips was underlined again last week when he suffered a loss to Swiss world number 222 Jerome Kym in Basel.
Ferrero is expected to bring tactical clarity and discipline to Shelton’s aggressive game, encouraging the fiery American to play smarter under pressure without dulling his natural offensive weapons. He demands focus and clarity from his charges so they can thrive in the most intense battles.
However, the new dynamic will require careful navigation. Ferrero’s only previous short-term coaching role away from Alcaraz came alongside Alexander Zverev and his father in late 2017. That dynamic ended abruptly after six months following a third-round exit at the 2018 Australian Open, with Zverev accusing Ferrero of being “disrespectful” to his team, while Ferrero later cited a lack of professionalism on the German’s part.
Shelton’s strong work ethic and hunger to improve are expected to make him far more receptive to Ferrero’s rigorous standards, provided his explosive game remains intact.
Veteran American coach Rick Macci, who famously coached the Williams sisters during their teenage years, believes Ferrero faces a distinct technical challenge in refining Shelton’s strokes.
“Shelton can win a few Slams if things break his way,” Macci noted. “His backhand groundstroke and return can be technically unpredictable – at the top of the mountain the margins are razor thin. Ferrero can help a lot in many areas because [Shelton’s] backbone is better than his backhand, but getting to number one is a different landscape to mow.”
With Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner dominating recent major titles despite injury interruptions this season, Ferrero’s addition gives Shelton’s camp proven expertise as they target the game’s biggest prizes.
