Ben Shelton has brought Juan Carlos Ferrero into his coaching team, giving the American access to the experience of a coach who helped Carlos Alcaraz become a seven-time Grand Slam champion.
The partnership offers clear benefits to both sides. Shelton, the US Open runner-up, already has considerable power and athleticism, but has often struggled to defeat the leading players and maintain consistency against opponents he is expected to beat.
The 24-year-old left-hander has spent the past four seasons inside the world's top 20 and reached his first Grand Slam final in New York two months ago. He also recorded the biggest win of his career by defeating Alcaraz in the US Open quarter-finals, although he was unable to overcome Alexander Zverev in the final.
Shelton's run in New York reflected progress with his backhand and defensive game. However, his inability to consistently produce his dangerous forehand at important moments against Zverev highlighted the areas still requiring improvement. A surprise defeat by Switzerland's world number 222 Jerome Kym in Basel last week also underlined the need for greater reliability.
Ferrero, who will work alongside Shelton's father and current coach Bryan, is known for his tactical intelligence and insistence on focus. His role will be to help Shelton use his aggressive weapons more effectively, while also encouraging greater clarity and composure during crucial points.
“Juan Carlos is one of the great minds in tennis,” Shelton said. “His experience of winning at the highest level and developing champions will be a huge asset to our team.”
Ferrero coached Alcaraz from the age of 15 and helped develop him from a promising junior into one of the leading players on the ATP Tour. The Spaniard has largely stayed away from the circuit since his split with Alcaraz last December, but had planned to return to coaching in 2027 after speaking with several top-20 players and younger talents.
Shelton was the only player with whom Ferrero discussed terms, having placed him at the top of his list when looking for another coach. Ferrero is expected to attend 10 to 12 tournaments next season, including all four Grand Slam events. Their formal work will begin during an off-season training block in the United States, although Ferrero will watch Shelton at next week's ATP Finals in Turin.
“Ben has extraordinary talent, power and character,” Ferrero said. “I'm looking forward to contributing my experience and working together with everyone to help Ben achieve his ambitions.”
The relationship between Ferrero and Bryan Shelton will be an important part of the arrangement. Ferrero previously spent six months coaching Zverev, but that partnership ended after the German's defeat in the third round of the 2018 Australian Open. Ferrero had been brought in as an outside voice within a father-son coaching setup.
Shelton's work ethic and determination should make him receptive to Ferrero's demands, provided the changes do not restrict his natural strengths. American coach Rick Macci, who worked with Venus and Serena Williams as teenagers, believes Ferrero can help in several areas but may face a difficult technical challenge.
Macci identified Shelton's backhand and return as potentially unpredictable, arguing that small weaknesses become decisive at the highest level. He said Shelton had the physical foundation to win Grand Slam titles, but reaching the world number one position would require improvement across a much narrower margin for error.
Sources: BBC Sport.