Ben Shelton is experiencing life under a new coach for the first time this week.
Shelton recently appointed Juan Carlos Ferrero to his team to work alongside his current coach and father, Bryan Shelton. The 46-year-old Spaniard, who guided Carlos Alcaraz to six Grand Slam titles, is present in Turin to work face-to-face with his new protege ahead of the ATP Finals.
Ferrero and Alcaraz ended their enormously successful seven-year player-coach relationship almost a year ago.
Tim Henman issues verdict on Ben Shelton hiring Juan Carlos Ferrero
Ferrero had revealed last month that he would be working with a new player in 2027, but would not name him. There was plenty of speculation around who it would be, with many under the impression he would take 20-year-old compatriot Rafael Jodar under his wing.
Some even thought it would be Jannik Sinner, after the Italian officially parted ways with Darren Cahill. But Sinner appointed Stan Wawrinka’s old coach, Magnus Norman, and the news about Shelton and Ferrero broke soon after.
Many were surprised by Ferrero’s decision, including British tennis legend Tim Henman, who said on Sky Sports: “I think a lot of people were leaning towards Rafael Jodar, his countryman, but yeah, it’s been really interesting.
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“He hasn’t been here for long, but to see them practice on the court together is great. I’m not necessarily sure that Ferrero is going to have too many opportunities to impact or make changes to Ben Shelton’s game, but I think it’s a great addition.”
Ferrero has confirmed he will not be working full-time as Shelton’s coach. He will be in the 23-year-old’s box for a total of 12 tournaments next season, including Grand Slams, ATP Masters 1000 events and the ATP Finals.
Henman continued: “You know, why wouldn’t you want to have not only a brilliant player, but someone that’s proven to be a great coach to add to his team, and Shelton obviously has a great relationship with his dad, and I’m sure Bryan will still be doing some of the travelling, but to have that experience, another set of eyes on your game, I think can only be positive.”
Tim Henman labels Carlos Alcaraz’s hug with Juan Carlos Ferrero ‘awkward’
Alcaraz and Shelton played out a practice set earlier this week ahead of the ATP Finals, with Ferrero present. Before the session, Alcaraz and Ferrero embraced with a hug, which Henman thinks was their first interaction since splitting in December 2025.
Henman said: “The hug at the beginning of the session, which was across the line, I believe that it was the first time that Alcaraz and Ferrero had seen each other since the split, and you just think, wow, it was a long time ago, and that would have been awkward.
“I can remember having worked with David Felgate for eight and a half years, and then we split, and then he started working with another player. It’s not that comfortable, so I guess when they were looking at the groups and which group they were going to be in, I expect that perhaps Alcaraz was happy that Shelton was in the other group.”
Alcaraz headlines the Ivan Lendl group at the ATP Finals, which also features Daniil Medvedev, Flavio Cobolli and Frances Tiafoe. Shelton, meanwhile, is in the John McEnroe group, along with Alexander Zverev, Arthur Fils and Jodar.
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