[REVISION HISTORY]

Juan Carlos Ferrero coaching Ben Shelton

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2026-11-05 15:06 UTC → 2026-11-09 17:54 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Juan Carlos Ferrero, a former world number one and Roland Garros champion, is set to become a coach for American tennis player Ben Shelton starting in the 2027 season. The announcement was confirmed via social media by both Ferrero and ~~Shelton.~~ Shelton, following reports from The Times. Shelton, who is currently ranked fourth in the world, will add Ferrero to a coaching team that already includes his father, Bryan Shelton. Shelton intends for Ferrero to work alongside his father rather than replacing him, noting that Ferrero brings immense experience and wisdom that could specifically help improve his performance on clay courts. Shelton revealed that he personally initiated the process by asking his agent to contact Ferrero to check his availability. He noted that his father’s lack of ego was a key factor in the arrangement, allowing the team to integrate Ferrero’s expertise. Shelton expressed significant enthusiasm for the partnership, describing Ferrero as ~~one~~ “one of the best coaches in the ~~world.~~ world” and “one of the great minds of tennis.” The partnership follows Ferrero’s tenure with Carlos Alcaraz, which ended in December 2025 after winning six Grand Slam titles. Following the news, Carlos Alcaraz commented on the development after his victory at the Vienna Open. While expressing skepticism and stating he would wait for official confirmation, Alcaraz noted that Since then, Ferrero ~~would be~~ has worked as a ~~“great addition” to Shelton’s team and would likely help the American player improve his level of play.~~ mental coach for golfer Ángel Ayora. While the partnership is officially set to begin during the 2027 winter preparation, some analysts, such as Rick Macci, have questioned whether the move will address Shelton’s specific biomechanical flaws in his backhand and return of serve. Additionally, reports from Eurosport Spain and Tennis Channel suggest Ferrero may also take on a coaching role for Casper Ruud in 2027.

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