Ben Shelton has made a very bold decision.
Juan Carlos Ferrero, who coached Carlos Alcaraz for seven years before parting ways in December 2025, is set to join the American’s team for the 2027 season.
Carlos Alcaraz’s Grand Slam titles under Juan Carlos Ferrero’s tutelage
- 2022 US Open
- 2023 Wimbledon
- 2024 Roland Garros
- 2024 Wimbledon
- 2025 Roland Garros
- 2025 US Open
Ferrero, a former Roland Garros champion, will join Ben’s father and coach, Bryan Shelton, in the American’s coaching box for the foreseeable future.
In an Instagram message, Ben Shelton offered his first reaction to the addition of Ferrero.
Ben Shelton confirms addition of Juan Carlos Ferrero to his coaching team
“Huge addition to my team for this upcoming season!” Shelton said in a post on his Instagram story on Sunday afternoon.
“Juan Carlos Ferrero, excited to get started and put in the work this offseason… let’s get it.”
How do you think Ben Shelton will perform next season after hiring Juan Carlos Ferrero? 💭
Will he win a Grand Slam title? 🏆
Shelton has worked with his father, Bryan, since turning professional in 2023.
Since then, Ben has reached the US Open final, won two Masters 1000 titles in Canada and achieved a career-high ranking of world number four.
When analysing Juan Carlos Ferrero’s track record of developing the games of young players, one can only come to the conclusion that Shelton has made a positive move in hiring the Spaniard.
Under Ferrero’s guidance, Carlos Alcaraz won six Grand Slam titles, eight Masters 1000 titles, and achieved the world number one ranking.
Some have been quick to dismiss Ferrero’s influence on Alcaraz’s success following the Spaniard’s successful 2026 campaign.
Ben Shelton’s performances at 2026 Grand Slam events
- Australian Open: lost in the quarter-finals to Jannik Sinner, 3-6, 4-6, 4-6
- Roland Garros: lost in the second round to Raphael Collignon, 4-6, 5-7, 4-6
- Wimbledon: lost in the first round to Otto Virtanen, 4-6, 6-3, 7-6, 2-6, 6-7
- US Open: lost in the final to Alexander Zverev, 3-6, 6-7, 7-5, 2-6
However, one believes these opinions to be somewhat shortsighted; Ferrero clearly had an extremely positive influence on Alcaraz’s mentality and technical development across his seven years as coach.
Ben Shelton will surely be hoping that Ferrero can help take his game to another level, as the Spanish coach achieved with Alcaraz.
