Los Angeles (United States) (AFP) – Ben Shelton, who reached his first Grand Slam final at the US Open in September, is adding former Carlos Alcaraz mentor Juan Carlos Ferrero to his team, both parties said Sunday. “Huge addition to my team for this upcoming season,” Shelton said in an Instagram story featuring a photo of himself and Spain’s Ferrero. “Excited to get started … Let’s get it.”
Shelton, 24, is at a career-high fourth in the world with a career-best four titles in 2026. The American left-hander reached his first major final in New York, beating Alcaraz in a five-set quarter-final but eventually falling to Alexander Zverev in the title match. Shelton has largely been coached by his father, Bryan Shelton, winner of two singles titles in his own ATP playing career.
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Spain’s Ferrero, who guided Alcaraz to his first six Grand Slam titles before their partnership ended last December, said he was looking forward to working with both the elder and younger Sheltons. “Ben has extraordinary talent, power and character,” Ferrero said in a statement. “I’m very happy to join Bryan and the team in this exciting new chapter. I’m looking forward to contributing my experience and working together to help Ben achieve his ambitions on the biggest stages.”
Ben Shelton also emphasized that Ferrero, a former world number one and winner of the 2003 Roland Garros title, would be an addition to the current team, not a replacement. “Juan Carlos is one of the great minds in tennis,” Shelton said in a statement. “His experience of winning at the highest level and developing champions will be a huge asset to our team. My dad has been such an important part of my journey, and I’m excited about what we can all achieve together as we look to the future.”
© 2024 AFP
