Ben Shelton Reveals What Carlos Alcaraz Told Him After Learning About Juan Carlos Ferrero Appointment

Ben Shelton has revealed the supportive message he received from Carlos Alcaraz after informing the Spaniard about his decision to hire former coach Juan Carlos Ferrero. The American tennis star said he contacted Alcaraz personally before the news became public because he wanted to show respect for the successful partnership the Spaniard shared with Ferrero.

Shelton discussed the appointment after reaching the Paris Masters final, explaining that Alcaraz responded immediately after winning the Vienna title. Rather than expressing disappointment or discomfort, the world-class Spaniard congratulated Shelton and expressed excitement about the potential improvements Ferrero could bring to his game.

The appointment represents an important development for Shelton, who is currently ranked World No. 4 and enjoyed his best Grand Slam result at the US Open this season, where he finished runner-up. Ferrero, a former French Open champion and world No. 1, is expected to join Shelton’s coaching team in 2027 alongside his father, Bryan Shelton.

Ferrero previously spent seven years coaching Alcaraz, helping him win 24 titles, including six Grand Slam championships. Their partnership ended in December 2025, making the Spaniard’s reaction particularly interesting given the success they achieved together.

Ben Shelton Contacted Carlos Alcaraz Before Making Ferrero Appointment Public

Shelton revealed that he did not want Alcaraz to discover the news through media reports or social media headlines. Recognising the importance of the relationship between the Spaniard and Ferrero, the American decided to contact his fellow player directly before the appointment was officially announced.

The news of Ferrero joining Shelton’s team for 2027 broke on November 1, shortly after Alcaraz secured the Vienna title. Shelton explained that informing Alcaraz personally was the respectful thing to do, considering how much the former coach had contributed to the Spaniard’s career.

Speaking on the Tennis Channel desk in Paris on Saturday, Shelton praised Alcaraz’s character and described him as one of the most respected players on the ATP Tour.

“Obviously I reached out to him before the news dropped. I wanted to let him know because I know how long and successful their relationship has been. I don’t know that there’s a better guy on tour than Carlos Alcaraz.”

Shelton’s decision to speak directly with Alcaraz highlighted the respect between the two competitors. Although they are rivals on the court, the American wanted to acknowledge the history between the Spaniard and Ferrero before beginning a new professional relationship with the experienced coach.

What Carlos Alcaraz Told Ben Shelton After Winning Vienna

According to Shelton, Alcaraz responded quickly to his message after winning the Vienna title. The Spaniard congratulated the American on the appointment and expressed confidence that working with Ferrero could produce major improvements in Shelton’s game.

Alcaraz’s response particularly impressed Shelton because of the generosity and sportsmanship it demonstrated. The former world No. 1 could have viewed the appointment as an unusual situation, given his long and successful history with Ferrero. Instead, he chose to support Shelton’s decision.

“He hit me back right away after winning Vienna. He told me he was so happy for me and how big the improvements in my game were gonna be working with Juan Carlos. I think that’s what makes him such a great graceful champion and someone that our sport really really needs.”

Shelton’s comments showed how highly he regards Alcaraz, not only as a tennis player but also as a person. He believes the Spaniard’s reaction reflects the qualities that make him an admired figure in professional tennis.

The message also offered an early indication that Alcaraz had no objection to Ferrero beginning a new coaching chapter with another leading player. His encouragement could help Shelton approach the partnership with confidence as he prepares for the next stage of his career.

Alcaraz Had Already Reacted to Ferrero Reports in Vienna

Before Shelton shared the details of their private conversation, Alcaraz had already been asked about reports linking Ferrero with the American’s coaching team during the Vienna tournament.

At that stage, the Spaniard chose not to treat the appointment as officially confirmed. He said he would wait for confirmation before commenting further, but still offered a positive assessment of what Ferrero could bring to Shelton.

Alcaraz indicated that, if the reports were accurate, Ferrero would be a valuable addition to the American’s team. His comments suggested that he recognised the experience and coaching qualities of his former mentor.

Ferrero’s record with Alcaraz provides a strong reason for the interest surrounding the appointment. During their seven-year partnership, the coach helped develop the Spaniard into one of the leading players in men’s tennis, guiding him to 24 titles and six Grand Slam championships.

For Shelton, working with someone who has already helped a player reach the top of the sport could represent an important opportunity to improve his consistency and competitiveness at the biggest tournaments.

Juan Carlos Ferrero’s Successful Partnership With Carlos Alcaraz

Juan Carlos Ferrero brings considerable playing and coaching experience to Shelton’s team. Before becoming one of the most recognised coaches in modern tennis, Ferrero enjoyed an outstanding career as a professional player.

The Spaniard won the French Open in 2003 and reached the No. 1 position in the ATP rankings. His experience competing at the highest level provided a strong foundation for his later coaching career.

Ferrero’s most successful coaching partnership came with Alcaraz. Over seven years, the pair developed a highly successful working relationship that produced 24 titles, including six Grand Slam championships.

The partnership ended in December 2025, bringing an important chapter in Alcaraz’s career to a close. Their separation attracted attention because of the achievements they had enjoyed together and Ferrero’s influence on the Spaniard’s development.

His next challenge will be helping Shelton build on his recent progress. The American has already established himself among the world’s leading players, but the opportunity to work with a coach who understands what it takes to win major championships could provide another level of development.

Ferrero is expected to join Shelton’s coaching setup in 2027, working alongside the American’s father, Bryan Shelton. The combination will bring together Ferrero’s experience as a former Grand Slam champion and successful coach with the guidance of Shelton’s long-time family support system.

Ben Shelton and Carlos Alcaraz Head-to-Head Record Before Paris Masters Final

The Paris Masters final will mark the fifth meeting between Shelton and Alcaraz on the ATP Tour. Heading into the contest, Alcaraz leads their head-to-head record 3-1, having won their first three encounters before Shelton secured his breakthrough victory at the US Open in September.

Their first meeting came at the 2023 Canadian Open in Toronto, where Alcaraz defeated the American on a hard court. The Spaniard continued his winning run at the 2024 Laver Cup in Berlin, securing a 6-4, 6-4 victory indoors.

The pair met again in the fourth round of the 2025 French Open at Roland Garros. Alcaraz won that clay-court encounter 7-6(8), 6-3, 4-6, 6-4, extending his advantage in their rivalry to 3-0.

However, Shelton finally managed to defeat the Spaniard at the US Open in September. Their quarterfinal turned into a dramatic five-set contest that lasted until 3:33 a.m., with the American winning 6-7(5), 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6(10-7).

The victory was particularly important for Shelton because it marked his first career win against a top-three opponent. It also ended Alcaraz’s title defence at Flushing Meadows and demonstrated that the American could compete with the very best players in the sport.

Shelton continued his impressive run by reaching the US Open final, although he eventually lost to Alexander Zverev. Despite falling short of the title, the tournament represented his best Grand Slam performance of the season.

Alcaraz Arrives in Paris After Eight Consecutive Victories

Alcaraz enters the Paris Masters final in impressive form, having won eight consecutive matches. The Spaniard is appearing in his 11th Masters 1000 final and is chasing his first title at the Paris tournament.

He is also targeting his fifth title of the year, adding another major achievement to an already successful season. Reaching the final for the first time gives Alcaraz an opportunity to strengthen his position among the leading players on the ATP Tour.

However, Shelton will present a difficult challenge. The American is competing in his third Masters 1000 final and has already won the last two Canadian Open titles. He will be aiming to capture a third championship at this level.

Both players are appearing in the Paris Masters final for the first time, adding another important chapter to their growing rivalry. Their previous meetings have produced competitive tennis, and Shelton’s victory at the US Open has demonstrated that the head-to-head record may not tell the entire story of their current abilities.

For Alcaraz, the match offers an opportunity to maintain his winning momentum and claim a first Paris title. For Shelton, it is a chance to defeat one of the sport’s biggest stars again and secure another important Masters championship.

ATP Finals Next for Shelton and Alcaraz

After the Paris Masters, both Shelton and Alcaraz will turn their attention towards the ATP Finals in Turin. Neither player has previously won the year-end championships, making the tournament another significant opportunity to finish the season with a major achievement.

The ATP Finals bring together the leading performers from the season, giving the qualified players a chance to compete for one of the most prestigious titles outside the Grand Slam tournaments.

Defending champion Jannik Sinner has already announced that he will miss the tournament after ending his season early because of an injury. His absence will change the competitive picture and create an opportunity for the remaining players to challenge for the title.

Other competitors listed for the Turin tournament include Alexander Zverev, Daniil Medvedev, Flavio Cobolli, Arthur Fils, Frances Tiafoe and Rafael Jodar.

For Shelton, the ATP Finals would provide another opportunity to test his progress against the strongest players in men’s tennis. For Alcaraz, the tournament represents a chance to add the year-end championship to his growing collection of achievements.

Ferrero Appointment Could Mark an Important New Chapter for Shelton

Shelton’s decision to bring Ferrero into his coaching team for 2027 has attracted attention because of the Spaniard’s successful history with Alcaraz. The former world No. 1 helped guide the Spaniard to six Grand Slam titles, making him one of the most experienced coaching options available to a player looking to compete for the biggest prizes.

The American has already demonstrated his potential by reaching the US Open final and climbing to World No. 4. Working with Ferrero could help him build on those achievements and develop the consistency required to challenge regularly for major titles.

Alcaraz’s positive reaction has also added an interesting personal dimension to the story. Despite the end of his successful partnership with Ferrero, the Spaniard was quick to congratulate Shelton and express confidence in the benefits of the appointment.

For now, the immediate focus remains on the Paris Masters final and the upcoming ATP Finals. However, Shelton’s planned coaching partnership with Ferrero offers an intriguing storyline for the 2027 season.

His conversation with Alcaraz also demonstrated the respect that exists between two of the leading players in men’s tennis. While they will continue competing against each other on court, Shelton’s revelation suggests that their relationship extends beyond their rivalry.