Ferrero speaks for the first time about Shelton and Alcaraz: "I helped Ben in Paris and it was something strange"

Carlos Navarro - 9 Nov 2026 | 16:31
Juan Carlos Ferrero Ben Shelton Carlos Alcaraz ATP ATP Rolex Paris Masters 2026

Carlitos' former coach confessed that he gave advice to his new protege before the Paris final, in addition to detailing the backstory of his signing with the American's team.

Go to comments section Preferir Puntodebreak en Google
Ferrero and a confession about work before the Paris final.

The last Carlos Alcaraz vs Ben Shelton was the match full of intrigue. The final of revenge, a rematch after what happened at the 2026 US Open... and a duel with a common link that added even more spice to the encounter: Juan Carlos Ferrero. The one from Ontinyent had officially announced his new agreement with the American just a week ago, and as if it were a wink of fate, the tennis gods granted us the first confrontation between his next pupil and the young man he helped develop into one of the greatest legends in the history of this sport.

The question lingered among all fans of this sport. Would there be a phone call from Ben to his future coach? Would Juanki contribute to Shelton's tactics before the final in Paris? These were questions unknown until this very morning, when Juan Carlos gave an interview to Diario MARCA in which he dropped the bomb: he contributed to the game plan of the world number four, devising for the first time a tactic against someone who was his 'protege' for more than eight seasons.

Ferrero reveals what he felt in the Paris final and how his story with Shelton has been

Strangeness. That is the word to define what Ferrero experienced last Sunday: he himself reveals that, for the first time in eight years, he had to think of things to "counter Carlos's game", although "professionalism" is above all. To achieve this, Juanki admits that he did some preliminary work to change his attitude, being in constant contact with Ben starting from the week of Paris and preparing different game plans together with his father, Bryan. "During the Paris week we interacted a bit more, I already told them that if they needed anything, they could count on me." And so it was, with a Ferrero noting that it was "strange" to be part of a new 'anti-Alcaraz' scheme.

All of this was, of course, before the final. And after? What analysis does Ferrero make of the match between Carlos and Ben? What was missing for the American to defeat the Murcian? Juanki refers to the lack of "a bit of decisiveness" as the main reason, pointing out that Shelton "did not quite show his usual bravery" during the opportunities he had to take the score in his favor. "When he was ahead in the second set, he experienced something similar; he was not aggressive enough when he had a lead", suggesting that Ben must push forward at every moment, something that is part of his DNA.

Many also wonder if Juan Carlos will extend this help to the ATP Finals, where he will coincide with the eight masters (including Ben himself... and also Carlos) due to a celebration event organized by the ATP. Initially, the Spanish coach claims that he needs "a preseason first" to integrate into his pupil's box for the first time, although he hopes to watch from Turin his first match to take notes "live" for the first time. "I don't think jumping into his bench at the last tournament of the year without us having worked together beforehand is the right move. It's common sense."

How will Ferrero organize to work with Shelton? 

When Juan Carlos announced his departure from Carlos, one of the topics that came to light was the demands of the Valencian coach regarding time spent together, something many pointed out as one of the reasons for the relationship ending. Thus, the logistics of this new union with the American became a hot topic after the announcement: no one better than Juan Carlos himself to reveal how his path alongside the American will be structured in 2027.

The first block of training together will take place in December... and it will be in Orlando, where Ferrero himself will go to spend the entire month before returning home for Christmas. Next, Bryan will lead the team at the United Cup and the first official commitment in which we will see Juanki help Ben from the bench will be the 2027 Australian Open. They will also cross paths, according to the Spaniard, at the other three Grand Slams, the Masters 1000, and the ATP Finals (if qualified).

This union began, according to Juan Carlos, "at the end of October"... and it arose thanks to the joint proposal of Bryan and Ben, who were seeking a new voice to provide a different dimension to their tennis. However, a highly sought-after coach like the one from Ontinyent needed to see incentives and solid reasons to start an adventure of this caliber... but Ferrero saw them clearly from minute one. "I said yes upon seeing the excitement that Ben exuded. I pay a lot of attention to faces, and I saw the eagerness on Ben's face to start working. I know they form a very healthy team, and even though going to the USA in December is a bit challenging, I'm aware that returning to the circuit requires some sacrifices. I accept it and I'm eager," says a Ferrero excited to embark on what will be his second major project as a professional coach.

Additionally, Juan Carlos also emphasizes that Bryan, Shelton's father who will continue to be an integral part of the team, has generated with him a "line of understanding and a similar way of working", praising his way of reading matches. With Ben, the feeling seems similar, making it clear that he is a kid who "loves training blocks and likes to work a lot,” qualities that ultimately tipped the scales in his favor. Finally, Juanki pointed out aspects in which he seeks to enhance the American's tennis, leaving a key takeaway: order. "He needs to know which weapon to use at each moment. He still loses points that are within his reach: his father and I need to help him understand tennis better, to have that perfected invisible game, something he still lacks." Ambitious goals, work in the shadows, and a collaboration that the tennis world will be closely watching. Will we see a first trailer in Turin? Stay tuned for next week.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Ferrero habla por primera vez de Shelton y Alcaraz: "Ayudé a Ben en París y fue algo extraño"