Juan Carlos Ferrero will join Ben Shelton’s coaching staff for the 2027 season, moving the announcement forward to Monday after reports broke the agreement ahead of schedule. The Spanish coach, who ended a partnership with Carlos Alcaraz in December 2025, confirmed to Mundo Deportivo that he had closed an agreement with a player but intended to wait until November 9 to reveal his identity. Leaks in The Times forced an earlier disclosure, prompting Shelton to confirm the appointment on social media.
The Leak That Forced an Early Reveal
Ferrero planned to keep his next destination quiet while the official ATP season wound down, noting in interviews that his new player was still active in tournaments. El País reported that the 46-year-old coach intended to hold off until November 9, respecting the conclusion of the Paris Masters. British newspaper The Times broke the embargo by naming the American left-hander as Ferrero’s new charge, leading MARCA to confirm the appointment through the player himself on social media.
Juan Carlos Ferrero set for highly anticipated return to coaching in 2027 alongside Ben Sheltonhttps://t.co/0EXju4X6qr
Shelton posted a statement welcoming the addition to his camp. “A great addition with Ferrero joining my team. Looking forward to working together in the preseason,” the American player said on social media, as cited by MARCA.
Joining the Shelton Family Box
Ferrero will integrate into an established coaching structure led by Bryan Shelton, the player’s father. At 24 years old, Shelton sits at number four in the ATP rankings and captured four titles during the current campaign: Dallas, Munich, Stuttgart, and Canada.
The new partnership follows a season for the American left-hander, who eliminated Carlos Alcaraz in the quarterfinals of the US Open and reached his first Grand Slam final with Alexander Zverev, MARCA noted. Ferrero brings experience to the setup, having previously guided Alexander Zverev and Carlos Alcaraz before their professional split in late 2025.
Speaking to Mundo Deportivo ahead of his book launch for Mentalidad ganadora, Ferrero outlined the profile of player he sought for his return to the bench. “I would like to have enthusiasm again, to see in that person a lot of desire, a lot of hunger to improve and to really step up a level, and to see that they really listen to you, that they really connect with you. That type of player with whom everything fits,” Ferrero said.
Travel Plans and the Turin Meeting
Ferrero has indicated that his return to the tour will not involve a full-time travel schedule. In remarks to El Mundo, the Spanish coach explained that he would work with his player throughout the year but would skip certain events. “I am not going to be full-time, I will not travel to all the tournaments, but I will work during the year,” Ferrero said.
The new pair will have their first on-site coordination at the ATP Finals in Turin, scheduled from November 15 to 22, according to MARCA. Shelton qualified for the season-ending championships for the second campaign in a row. Ferrero is slated to attend the opening weekend of the tournament in Italy as an invited guest for the gala dinner celebrating the number 1s in the history of tennis.
