Ben Shelton Hires Juan Carlos Ferrero for 2027
Shelton personally told Carlos Alcaraz about the coaching move before it was announced publicly.
Updated on Nov. 8, 2026 in Tennis
American tennis player Ben Shelton has signed Juan Carlos Ferrero as his coach for 2027, the former coach who guided Carlos Alcaraz for seven years. Shelton personally informed Alcaraz of the hiring before the announcement, and Alcaraz responded with a congratulatory message after winning the Vienna title.
Why it matters
Ferrero led Alcaraz to six Majors titles between 2022 and 2025, making the hire a notable shift in the sport's coaching landscape. Shelton said he wanted Alcaraz to hear the news from him because of the length and success of their partnership.
Ferrero led Alcaraz to six Majors titles across 2022 to 2025 over a seven-year partnership. The extraction does not state how Ferrero's coaching schedule will be divided between Shelton and any other players.
The players
Ben Shelton
Ben Shelton is an American professional tennis player known for his powerful left-handed serve and aggressive baseline game.
Juan Carlos Ferrero
Juan Carlos Ferrero is a former world No. 1 Spanish tennis player who became a respected coach after leading Carlos Alcaraz to multiple Grand Slam titles.
Carlos Alcaraz
Carlos Alcaraz is a Spanish professional tennis player who has won multiple Grand Slam titles and is among the top players in the men's game.
The details
Shelton reached out to Alcaraz personally before the news was published, and Alcaraz replied right after winning the Vienna title. The two are set to meet again in the Paris Masters final on Sunday, their first meeting since the US Open quarter-final, which ended at 3:33 a.m.
Timeline
Seven years prior to 2026: Ferrero began guiding Alcaraz.
2022 to 2025: Ferrero led Alcaraz to six Majors titles.
Sunday: Shelton and Alcaraz face each other in the Paris Masters final.
2027: Ferrero begins coaching Shelton.
Season Trajectory
Ferrero's move from Alcaraz to Shelton reshapes the coaching landscape after a seven-year partnership that produced six Majors titles from 2022 to 2025. The change arrives as Shelton and Alcaraz are set to meet in the Paris Masters final and could also face each other at the ATP Finals.
Shelton and Alcaraz could meet in the same group at the ATP Finals, which affects how fantasy rosters and tournament brackets may shape up. The Paris Masters final on Sunday gives fans an immediate chance to see the two players meet again.
The takeaway
Coaching changes between top players and their former mentors can reshape rivalries and tournament dynamics. Watch the Paris Masters final on Sunday for an early look at how Shelton and Alcaraz match up.
What happens next
Shelton and Alcaraz are scheduled to face each other in the Paris Masters final on Sunday.
Further reading
For more on the sport, explore the Tennis section for coverage of players, coaches, and tournaments.
