Juan Carlos Ferrero will join Ben Shelton’s coaching team in 2027, according to The Times and information later confirmed by both parties. The 46-year-old Spaniard will work alongside Shelton’s father and current coach, Bryan Shelton.
Shelton, 24, is currently ranked fourth in the world and has won seven titles. His most significant successes include two victories at the Canadian Masters. The American also reached his first Grand Slam final this season, losing to Alexander Zverev, after defeating Carlos Alcaraz in the quarter-finals of the same tournament.
The partnership will bring Ferrero to a player with an established place among the leading competitors but still significant room for improvement. Shelton is known for his powerful serve, which can reach 240 kilometres per hour, although his aggressive approach can sometimes affect his consistency. Ferrero’s experience and tactical perspective are expected to help him add greater solidity and variety to his game.
Shelton praised Ferrero as one of tennis’s leading minds and highlighted his experience of winning at the highest level and developing champions. He also said he was excited about what could be achieved with Ferrero and his father working together.
Ferrero described Shelton as a player with exceptional talent, power and character. He said he was pleased to join Bryan Shelton and the rest of the team and looked forward to helping the American reach his goals on the biggest stages.
The move comes after Ferrero’s partnership with Alcaraz ended in December 2025. Ferrero had previously indicated that he preferred not to take on another very young player and wanted a coaching arrangement that would allow two trainers to share the travelling schedule. He also said he wanted to remain connected to competition while spending more time with his three children.
Shelton is the highest-ranked American player, ahead of Frances Tiafoe, Taylor Fritz, Tommy Paul, Brandon Nakashima and Learner Thien. This season, he won titles in Dallas, Munich and Stuttgart and reached a Grand Slam final for the first time.
His overall statistics show an average of 10 aces per match and an 89.8% success rate in service games won, second only to Jannik Sinner’s 93.7% among the figures cited. Alcaraz, speaking before the agreement was officially announced, said Ferrero would be a major addition for Shelton and could help him raise his level further.
Sources: El País Deportes.