Juan Carlos Ferrero’s future has finally been made clear, after months of speculation over who he would coach next.
The Spaniard enjoyed a long and successful period alongside Carlos Alcaraz, together ascending to world number one whilst winning six Grand Slams and eight Masters 1000 titles.
However, around this time last year, the 23-year-old called time on their partnership, opting to push forward with only Samu Lopez as his sole head coach.
This clearly left Ferrero shell shocked, given all the interviews he has since done, linking himself to numerous empty jobs and discussing Alcaraz’s career without him.
How do you think Ben Shelton will perform next season after hiring Juan Carlos Ferrero? 💭
Will he win a Grand Slam title? 🏆
Many wondered, after his brief foray into the golf world, when he would return to tennis.
Well, now we know. Ferrero will coach Ben Shelton for the 2027 season.
Carlos Alcaraz reacts to the news that Juan Carlos Ferrero will coach Ben Shelton
The timing of this report was eyebrow-raising, given it came on the day of Alcaraz’s biggest triumph since returning from injury.
The Spaniard stunned as he defeated Alex de Minaur in the Vienna Open final, and yet it feels like the day has been overshadowed by his former coach.
Even in his championship press conference, it dominated proceedings, with one reporter justifiably asking Alcaraz for his reaction to the news.
Having clearly yet to see Ben Shelton’s confirmation, he argued: ”Well, I haven’t seen that.
“I hear about it… not sure who said that. Until Ben or Juanki says that, I’m not gonna believe that because we could hear a lot of people talking about, you know, me, who I’m gonna be coaching with. A lot of people are talking about, you know, the things that they might think or know, and we will see.
“If it is true, I think it’s gonna be a great addition to Ben Shelton’s team, and I think Juanki is gonna, is gonna do great. And it’s gonna help him a lot to increase his level even more. So, I will be aware of him.”
Ferrero had been linked with Jannik Sinner’s coaching vacancy, but in the end the Italian opted to hire Magnus Norman.
Rafael Jodar was another natural link, but in the end, it seems like Shelton has won the race for his signature.
