Ben Shelton Adds Juan Carlos Ferrero to 2027 Coaching Setup
American tennis star Ben Shelton has strengthened his coaching team for the 2027 season by adding former World No. 1 Juan Carlos Ferrero. Ferrero will join Shelton’s father, Bryan, in the player’s coaching setup during the upcoming offseason.
The 24-year-old American confirmed the appointment on social media on Sunday, November 1, 2026. Currently ranked at a career-high No. 4 in the PIF ATP Rankings, Shelton captured a career-best four titles in 2026 and reached his first major final at the US Open.
The Path to the Partnership
Ferrero returns to the ATP Tour after spending much of 2026 away from the professional circuit. His departure from his previous high-profile coaching role came in December 2025, when his successful partnership with Carlos Alcaraz ended. During that previous tenure, Ferrero guided Alcaraz to six major titles and eight ATP Masters 1000 crowns, helping him ascend to World No. 1.
Before confirming the agreement, Ferrero addressed his impending return to the tour and an upcoming announcement regarding his next player, stating that an agreement had been reached ahead of a November revealing.
“Juan Carlos is one of the great minds in tennis,” Shelton said in a statement. “His experience of winning at the highest level and developing champions will be a huge asset to our team. My dad has been such an important part of my journey, and I’m excited about what we can all achieve together as we look to the future.”
Immediate Reactions and Tour Context
News of the partnership drew immediate reactions across the tennis circuit. Carlos Alcaraz addressed the development during a championship press conference at the Vienna Open, expressing initial surprise before offering praise for the pairing. “If it is true, I think it’s gonna be a great addition to Ben Shelton’s team, and I think Juanki is gonna do great,” Alcaraz said.
Ferrero also offered remarks on his new player’s physical attributes and potential. “Ben has extraordinary talent, power and character,” Ferrero said. “I’m very happy to join Bryan and the team in this exciting new chapter.”
Shelton enters the offseason following a 41-18 match record in 2026, per the Infosys ATP Win/Loss Index. His 2026 season highlights include tournament victories in Dallas, Munich, and Stuttgart, alongside a successful title defense at the ATP Masters 1000 event in Canada in August. He followed those performances by defeating Alcaraz in a five-set US Open quarter-final before losing the championship match to Alexander Zverev.
Upcoming Tournament Schedule in Turin and Paris
Before the offseason training block with Ferrero begins, Shelton faces a busy conclusion to his 2026 tournament schedule. He has already qualified for his second consecutive Nitto ATP Finals in Turin, joining Zverev, Alcaraz, and Daniil Medvedev in the season-ending field.
Prior to arriving in Turin, Shelton will compete at the Rolex Paris Masters as the third seed. He is scheduled to begin his campaign in the French capital against either Cameron Norrie or Matteo Arnaldi.
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