Juan Carlos Ferrero is taking on a new coaching challenge, joining Ben Shelton’s team ahead of the 2027 season as the American looks to take the next step in his career and turn his potential into Grand Slam success.
Shelton, 24, announced the addition on social media on Sunday, November 1, describing the former world No. 1 as a “huge addition” to his team. “Excited to get started and put in the work this offseason,” he wrote.
Currently ranked fourth in the world, Shelton has established himself among the leading players on the tour. He enjoyed the best season of his career in 2026, winning four titles and reaching his first Grand Slam final at the US Open, where he lost to Alexander Zverev. Ferrero will now join his father, Bryan Shelton, in a coaching setup designed to help him build on that progress.
Ferrero brings considerable experience to the team. The 2003 French Open champion and former world No. 1 spent more than seven years working with Carlos Alcaraz, guiding the Spaniard from his teenage years to the top of the sport. Their partnership produced 24 tour-level titles, including all six of Alcaraz’s Grand Slam victories, as well as eight ATP Masters 1000 titles.
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The appointment marks a new chapter for Ferrero following his unexpected split with Alcaraz in December 2025. The separation came after a remarkable season in which the Spaniard won the French Open and US Open and finished the year as world No. 1. Neither side initially gave a reason for the decision, although Ferrero later referred to disagreements over contractual matters.
The former Spanish player welcomed the move, praising Shelton’s qualities and the opportunity to work with his existing team. “Ben has extraordinary talent, power and character,” Ferrero said. “I’m very happy to join Bryan and the team in this exciting new chapter.”
Known for his powerful serve and aggressive groundstrokes, Shelton will look to build on his attacking game with the help of Ferrero’s experience in guiding a player to Grand Slam success. The American will be aiming to turn his first major final into a title, although he faces stiff competition from the likes of Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner and Alexander Zverev.
