Ben Shelton Hires Carlos Alcaraz’s Former Coach Juan Carlos Ferrero Ahead of 2025 Season

American tennis star Ben Shelton, the 2023 US Open runner-up, has made a bold coaching move by hiring Juan Carlos Ferrero, the man who guided Carlos Alcaraz to four Grand Slam titles. The partnership, announced ahead of the 2025 season, pairs the 22-year-old’s explosive lefty game with Ferrero’s tactical expertise and experience developing a young champion. Shelton, currently ranked in the top 20, aims to close the gap on Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner at the top of the men’s game. Ferrero’s decision to work with Shelton comes after a successful five-year run with Alcaraz, during which the Spaniard won the US Open, Wimbledon, and two French Opens. For Shelton, the hire signals a commitment to refining his baseline consistency and return game—areas that have lagged behind his booming serve and forehand. The move also raises intriguing questions about how Ferrero’s insights into Alcaraz’s game might influence future matchups between the two young stars. With the Australian Open on the horizon, all eyes will be on whether this new alliance can help Shelton break through for his first major title.