Juan Carlos Ferrero has set clear conditions for his new coaching partnership with Ben Shelton, confirming that he will not commit to a full-time role after spending eight years working alongside Carlos Alcaraz. The Spaniard will accompany the American at 12 tournaments per season, focusing on the biggest events while leaving much of the remaining schedule to Shelton's father, Bryan.
The arrangement reflects a different approach to coaching for Ferrero, who wants to continue working at the highest level without spending the entire season travelling around the ATP Tour. After years of close involvement in Alcaraz's career, the former world No. 1 has made having more time for his family a priority in his next professional chapter.
His new position also creates an intriguing sporting storyline. Shelton has become one of Alcaraz's most interesting opponents, having beaten the Spaniard in a dramatic five-set encounter at the 2026 US Open before facing him again in the Paris Masters final just two months later. Ferrero will now be working in the American's corner whenever the two players meet.
That transition has already begun. During the Paris tournament, Ferrero started contributing to Shelton's preparations alongside Bryan, experiencing for the first time what it was like to develop a game plan against the player he had coached for eight years. His comments offer a glimpse into how he intends to approach the challenge.
Ferrero explains his conditions for joining Shelton's team
Speaking to El Raquetazo, Ferrero confirmed that his involvement will be limited to the most important tournaments on the calendar. The agreement includes the four Grand Slams and the Masters 1000 events, with the ATP Finals also part of the plan if Shelton qualifies. Bryan will continue to travel with his son and cover the tournaments when Ferrero is not present.
"In principle, it will be 12 tournaments a year, including Grand Slams and Masters 1000 events. There is also the addition of the ATP Finals,” the former world No. 1 said. “His father will go to the remaining tournaments. Bryan will also come to whichever tournaments he wants, such as Australia, for example.”
Juan Carlos Ferrero with a racket in his hand
The structure means that Ferrero will work alongside Bryan rather than replace him as Shelton's coach. Having a second coach was an important condition for the Spaniard, who was unwilling to take on another position requiring his constant presence on the circuit.
"I was clear that I wasn't going to join a team that would require me to be there full-time,” the Spaniard added. “After eight years with Carlos, I wanted to have more time to give affection to my family. I also wanted someone who had a second coach for that very reason.”
Ferrero faces a new challenge against former pupil Alcaraz
The timing of Ferrero's appointment has added another dimension to the partnership. Shelton and Alcaraz have met five times, with the Spaniard leading their head-to-head 4-1. However, their two most recent encounters have produced very different outcomes, underlining the challenge Ferrero will face when helping the American compete against his former player.
At the US Open in September, Shelton ended Alcaraz's title defence with a 6-7(5), 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6 victory in a match lasting four hours and 28 minutes. It was one of the American's biggest wins, as he recovered from losing the opening set and prevailed in a deciding-set tiebreak.
Carlos Alcaraz (ESP) and Ben Shelton (USA) during the trophy ceremony at the 2026 Rolex Paris Masters at La Defense Arena
Alcaraz responded in their next meeting at the Paris Masters, defeating Shelton 7-6(5), 7-5 in the final few days ago. The Spaniard claimed his first title at the tournament, while Shelton missed opportunities to put pressure on his opponent, particularly after creating chances in the opening set and holding an advantage in the second.
Ferrero acknowledged that changing sides of the rivalry will take some adjustment, but insisted that his responsibilities as a coach must now take priority.
"I suppose the first few times will be difficult. In the end, you're not used to seeing Carlos on the other side. But, as I've already said, I have to continue developing my career as a coach,” the 46-year-old coach said. “That means there has been a separation with one player and now I'm with another. You have to be professional and focus very clearly on where you want to direct your efforts.”
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"At the moment, that will be towards Shelton, and when we play against Carlos, we'll have to do everything possible to dismantle a player who is now very mature, developing very well, and who I see, honestly, in excellent condition."
The next chapter will begin in 2027, when Ferrero officially joins Shelton's team. The Spaniard will bring the experience of his successful partnership with Alcaraz, but under a very different arrangement — one that gives him a defined role, a shared coaching structure and more time away from the tour.
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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