“Ferrero will probably not move the needle”: Rick Macci delivers blunt verdict on Ben Shelton’s new coach

Thursday, 05 November 2026 at 08:30

Ben Shelton has made one of the most significant coaching appointments of his career by bringing Juan Carlos Ferrero into his team for 2027, but Rick Macci is already questioning how much difference the Spaniard can make.

Macci's criticism centres on Shelton's backhand, which he considers biomechanically disconnected from the rest of his body. It is a technical issue that Macci believes could be particularly difficult to correct after years of established muscle memory.

The timing makes his assessment particularly interesting. Shelton is coming off the best season of his career, having reached his first Grand Slam final at the 2026 US Open, won four ATP titles and qualified for the ATP Finals. He has already established himself among the most dangerous players on tour, but Macci believes one weakness could prevent him from taking another step.

Ferrero, meanwhile, arrives after helping Carlos Alcaraz win six Grand Slam titles and eight Masters 1000 trophies. His ability to develop an explosive, aggressive player makes the partnership an intriguing prospect, but Macci is not convinced that even a coach of his calibre can necessarily transform Shelton's game.

Rick Macci identifies the weakness that could limit Ben Shelton

Sharing his assessment on social media, Macci questioned whether Ferrero's appointment would have a significant impact on Shelton, pointing specifically to the American's backhand and return of serve.

“Shelton hiring Ferrero will probably not move the needle," he wrote on social media. "Big Ben biomechanically on the backhand wing is disconnected from the ground up and has to manufacture racquet head speed from the arms too soon.

“Rewiring a groundstroke is a different animal than a serve because of the movement element and muscle memory baked in double crispy since he started playing as a kid. As a result his backhand off the ground and return of serve is the microscopic but crucial flaw for the Florida Gator.”

While technical adjustments can be made to a serve without the same movement demands, changing a backhand involves years of muscle memory and established patterns. Macci suggested that Shelton might need a different, science-based approach to address the underlying biomechanics.

“Maybe a biomechanist with a brand new science based approach could put humpty dumpty back together with the body pulling the racquet thru not the racquet pulling body. His backhand works because if you do 100 million of anything it will get better but maybe not optimal.

“But he has enough other tools in the tool box to be dangerous but because his backhand is disconnected he will have many close matches that he should win easier.”

Shelton hiring Ferrero will probably not move the needle. Big Ben biomechanically on the backhand wing is disconneted from the ground up and has to manufacture racquet head speed from the arms too soon.Rewiring a groundstroke is a different animal than a serve because of the movement element and muscle memory baked in double crispy since he started playing as a kid. As a result his backhand off the ground and return of serve is the microscopic but crucial flaw for the Florida Gator. Maybe a biomechanist with a brand new science based approach could put humpty dumpty back together with the body pulling the racquet thru not the racquet pulling body. His backhand works because if you do 100 million of anything it will get better but maybe not optimal.But he has enough other tools in the tool box to be dangerous but because his backhand is disconnected he will have many close matches that he should win easier. @atptour
— Rick Macci (@RickMacci) November 1, 2026

Ferrero takes on his first coaching role since leaving Alcaraz

Ferrero's appointment was confirmed on November 1, with the Spaniard set to work alongside Shelton's father, Bryan, rather than replace him. It marks his return to coaching after his separation from Alcaraz in December 2025, ending a partnership that produced six Grand Slam titles and eight Masters 1000 trophies.

The Spaniard began working with Alcaraz when the latter was 15 and helped develop him into one of the leading players in men's tennis. That experience makes his arrival a major addition to Shelton's team, although the American's game presents a different set of technical challenges.

Shelton has already spoken positively about the move. Before the Paris Masters, he described Ferrero as one of the best coaches in the world and highlighted the experience and knowledge he could bring to the group.

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There is also a strong foundation for Ferrero to build on. Shelton won titles in Dallas, Munich, Stuttgart and Montreal in 2026, reached the US Open final after defeating defending champion Carlos Alcaraz in the quarter-finals and secured qualification for the ATP Finals.

The challenge will be to improve the parts of his game that remain vulnerable without compromising the aggressive qualities that have made him successful. Macci's verdict sets a clear question ahead of the 2027 season: can Ferrero make a meaningful difference to Shelton's backhand, or will the American's technical limitations continue to cost him in the biggest matches?

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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