Carlos Alcaraz reacts to Juan Carlos Ferrero joining Ben Shelton's team: "It's going to be a great addition"

Monday, 02 November 2026 at 02:30

Carlos Alcaraz has welcomed the prospect of Juan Carlos Ferrero joining Ben Shelton's coaching team, describing the move as a potentially significant addition for the American.

The Spaniard was asked about the news shortly after winning the Vienna Open, offering his former coach his backing while admitting he had not yet received confirmation of the agreement.

Ferrero's return to coaching was subsequently confirmed, with the former world No. 1 set to work with Shelton from the 2027 season. He will join the American's existing team alongside his father, Bryan Shelton, marking his first coaching appointment since his separation from Alcaraz in December 2025. Their partnership produced six Grand Slam titles and eight Masters 1000 trophies.

The timing is particularly interesting given Shelton's recent record against Alcaraz. The American defeated the Spaniard in a dramatic five-set quarter-final at the 2026 US Open, ending the defending champion's title defence before going on to reach his first Grand Slam final.

Alcaraz, meanwhile, has won 16 of his 18 matches since returning to competition at the US Open following a four-and-a-half-month absence caused by a wrist injury. He has since lifted trophies in Tokyo and Vienna and now turns his attention to the Paris Masters, where he will attempt to improve a record that has so far prevented him from reaching the semi-finals.

Alcaraz backs Ferrero to help Shelton improve further

The question came during Alcaraz's press conference after his Vienna Open triumph, when the Spaniard was asked about reports linking Ferrero with Shelton. At that point, the agreement had not yet been officially announced.

Alcaraz was therefore cautious about accepting the news as fact, pointing out that speculation about coaching arrangements had also surrounded his own career.

"Well, I haven't seen that. I've heard about it, but I'm not sure who said that. Until Ben or Juan says it, I'm not going to believe it," the world No. 3 said. "We could hear a lot of people talking about me and who I'm going to be coaching with. A lot of people are talking about things that they might think or know. We will see."

Carlos Alcaraz at Japan Open hitting ball

Despite his initial reservations, Alcaraz was positive about the potential partnership and the impact Ferrero could have on Shelton's development. "But if it is true, I think it's going to be a great addition to Ben Shelton's team," the Spaniard added. "I think Juan is going to do great. It's going to help him a lot and increase his level even more. I'll be keeping an eye on him."

Ferrero's appointment was later confirmed for the 2027 season, with both Shelton and the Spanish coach announcing the collaboration. Bryan Shelton will remain involved, meaning Ferrero is joining the existing coaching structure rather than replacing the American's father.

The arrangement will bring together Bryan's longstanding knowledge of his son's game and Ferrero's experience guiding a young player to the top of the sport.

The Spaniard spent six years working with Alcaraz, helping him become world No. 1 and win six Grand Slam titles. Ferrero also won the French Open as a player in 2003 and reached the top of the ATP rankings, giving Shelton access to a coach with experience at the highest level both on and off the court.

Alexander Zverev and Ben Shelton smiling

Alexander Zverev of Germany and Ben Shelton of the United States pose for photos during the awarding ceremony after their men's singles final match at the 2026 US Open

Shelton ended Alcaraz's US Open title defence

The new partnership also adds another dimension to the rivalry between Shelton and Alcaraz. They have faced each other four times across the ATP Tour and the Laver Cup, with the Spaniard leading their overall head-to-head 3-1. Shelton's victory in their most recent meeting, however, was the first time he had beaten Alcaraz.

Tournament	Round	Winner	Result
Canadian Open 2023	Second round	Alcaraz	6-3, 7-6(3)
Laver Cup 2024	Group stage	Alcaraz	6-4, 6-4
Roland-Garros 2025	Round of 16	Alcaraz	7-6(8), 6-3, 4-6, 6-4
US Open 2026	Quarter-finals	Shelton	6-7(5), 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6(10-7)

Their US Open quarter-final was particularly significant. Shelton recovered from losing the opening-set tie-break to take control of the match, winning nine consecutive games at one stage before eventually prevailing in a deciding tie-break. The four-hour, 28-minute battle ended at 3:33 a.m. in New York, setting a new record for the latest finish in the tournament's history.

The victory ended Alcaraz's 18-match winning streak at Grand Slam events and sent Shelton into the semi-finals. He subsequently reached his first major final, where he lost to Alexander Zverev.

Alcaraz targets first Paris Masters title

Alcaraz's immediate focus, however, is on the Paris Masters, where he will have another opportunity to add to his collection of major titles. The Spaniard has won eight Masters 1000 trophies across six of the nine tournaments currently held in the category, but the indoor event in the French capital remains one of the few he has yet to win.

His best result in Paris came in 2022, when he reached the quarter-finals. He has not progressed beyond the third round in his subsequent appearances, leaving the tournament as an important gap in an otherwise impressive record at Masters 1000 level.

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The Spaniard arrives after winning consecutive titles in Tokyo and Vienna, having put together a 16-2 record since his return at the US Open. His victory over Alex de Minaur in the Vienna final secured his 28th career title and fourth of the 2026 season. He will now look to carry that momentum into Paris before turning his attention to the ATP Finals in Turin.

Meanwhile, Ferrero's move to Shelton's team will be closely watched, particularly given the American's recent breakthrough against Alcaraz. The Spaniard has already acknowledged the potential impact of the partnership. Whether the collaboration produces another step forward for Shelton remains to be seen, but Alcaraz will have an additional reason to keep an eye on one of his closest rivals in the seasons ahead.

Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist

Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.

His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.

In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.

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