The tennis world is still reeling from the blockbuster news that Carlos Alcaraz’s former coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero, is coaching Ben Shelton in 2027. Theories were circulating for months about whom Ferrero would coach, and none of them involved Shelton.
Revenge is a Motivator
On a recent episode of his “Served” podcast, Andy Roddick offered a theory about the motivation for Ferrero to coach Shelton. Shelton is the ATP World No. 4 player and played in his first career Grand Slam final in 2026 at the US Open after defeating Alcaraz in an epic quarterfinal.
Roddick stated that Ferrero is a great coach, a former ATP World No. 1, and a French Open champion who can help Shelton and his dad, Bryan, get Shelton to that level on the young player’s weakest surface, clay. Roddick explained that Ferrero also wants to help Shelton defeat Alcaraz on the biggest tennis courts in the world and wants to be instrumental in breaking the American men’s Grand Slam championship drought at 23 years and counting.
Prior Speculation Regarding JCF’s Next Player
Before the partnership was announced, young Spanish star Rafael Jodar was presumed to be Ferrero’s next player. Jodar turned pro in 2025, is 20 years old, has one ATP title, and has no team to speak of with only his father in his box during matches.
The partnership between Ferrero and the Shelton family will be one of the interesting storylines to watch at the 2027 Australian Open, where Alcaraz will try to defend his title.
