Juan Carlos Ferrero is set to return to the Tour as Ben Shelton’s new coach, according to The Times.
US Open finalist Shelton is reported to be on the verge of recruiting Ferrero to his team. It is understood that the former world No. 1 will work alongside the American’s father, Bryan, who has been his son’s full-time coach since 2023. Bryan is also a former professional tennis player on the ATP Tour.
Ferrero had been teasing his return to the sport after saying during an interview with Eurosport Spain that an announcement will be made on November 9th, the day after the Paris Masters concludes. The 46-year-old worked with Carlos Alcaraz, who won 24 titles (including six Grand Slams) during their seven-year partnership that ended in December 2025. He also had a brief stint with Alex Zverev.
After his collaboration with Alcaraz ended, Ferrero spent time away from tennis and, at one point, worked as a coach for golfer Ángel Ayora. In recent weeks, speculation has suggested he could join the team of several players, including Rafael Jodar and Jannik Sinner. Sinner is understood to be in the process of appointing Magnus Norman to his team.
Shelton will hope the addition of Ferrero will help guide him to Grand Slam glory for the first time. So far this season, he has posted a 40-17 record, winning four titles in Dallas, Munich, Stuttgart and the Canadian Masters. However, the American has failed to win back-to-back matches in his last two tournaments. He was the top seed in this week’s Swiss Indoors, but lost in the second round to world No.222 Jerome Kym.
As it currently stands, there has been no comment from either Ferrero or Shelton’s team regarding the Times’ report.
Shelton is the third seed at the Paris Masters, which starts on Monday.
