Isner on Shelton vs Alcaraz with Ferrero
Juan Carlos Ferrero is set to join Ben Shelton’s coaching staff for the 2027 season.
The renowned coach, who led Carlos Alcaraz to six Grand Slams and the world number one ranking, left his compatriot’s team at the conclusion of the 2025 season. Following a year away, Ferrero returns to the ATP Tour alongside Shelton.
Spectators and analysts are eager to witness the inaugural clash between Shelton and Alcaraz with Ferrero coaching the American. Former Grand Slam semi-finalist John Isner has offered his prediction for this potential matchup.
John Isner doubts Ben Shelton will relish facing Carlos Alcaraz, even after recruiting Juan Carlos Ferrero.
“Their first match with [Juan Carlos] Ferrero in [Ben] Shelton’s box is going to be fun. I don’t think that is going to be fun for Ben, though. He is going to dig that knife in a little deeper! It would be juicy if they played a semi-final with JCF in the box,” said Isner during the latest episode of ‘Nothing Major‘.
Shelton dropped his first three encounters against Alcaraz before securing a major upset at the US Open earlier this year. The American triumphed in a five-set thriller to advance to the semi-finals.
Ben Shelton and Carlos Alcaraz’s head-to-head record
| Match | Winner | Loser | Score |
| 2026 US Open – QF | Ben Shelton | Carlos Alcaraz | 6-7, 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6 |
| 2025 French Open – 4R | Carlos Alcaraz | Ben Shelton | 7-6, 6-3, 4-6, 6-4 |
| 2024 Laver Cup | Carlos Alcaraz | Ben Shelton | 6-4, 6-4 |
| 2023 Canadian Open – 2R | Carlos Alcaraz | Ben Shelton | 6-3, 7-6 |
Ben Shelton and Carlos Alcaraz’s head-to-head record
However, important context surrounds Shelton’s only win against Alcaraz. The Spaniard was competing in his first singles tournament since the Barcelona Open in April, after sustaining a significant wrist injury on home soil.
Alcaraz was not 100% match sharp, and still only lost to Shelton in a fifth-set tiebreak. Upon any future meeting, Alcaraz will enter as the favorite, and as Isner noted, the Ferrero influence could serve as additional motivation.
Isner suggests Shelton might face difficulties against Alcaraz next year, yet he expressed interest in the contributions Ferrero could bring to the American’s game.
“I think the biggest thing he can bring is the fact that he coached [Carlos] Alcaraz ever since he was a kid. I think it’s good; it shows Ben is not happy with just being four in the world,” he said.
Official ATP Rankings
- 1. Alexander Zverev – 9,550 points
- 2. Jannik Sinner – 9,450 points
- 3. Carlos Alcaraz – 6,100 points
- 4. Ben Shelton – 4,530 points
- 5. Daniil Medvedev – 3,860 points
“He has an incredible team with Bryan [Shelton], but his team wants what is best for Ben, and they are investing in this. It is very intriguing for sure; we will see if Ben can put his name in that conversation with those three guys ranked ahead of him in 2027.
“You just nailed it. It’s not like he coached like Stefan Edberg when he coached Roger [Federer]. To see the proof of success he had with Carlos since he was 14 years old, he has shown he can grow a game. Ben is still young, and this is huge,” added Steve Johnson, Isner’s podcast co-host.
“I love Bryan and Ben and their dynamic as father and son. I have never heard anything bad about it, but it can’t hurt to have another set of eyes to help, especially someone with this experience. I would love to see Shelton vs Alcaraz; that would be fun.”
When might Carlos Alcaraz and Ben Shelton face each other next?
Ferrero will not join Shelton’s team until 2027, but the American could encounter Alcaraz prior to that date. They might even clash at the Paris Masters, which stands as Alcaraz’s weakest Masters 1000 event.
They have, however, been drawn on opposite sides of the bracket, meaning they could only meet in the final. Both competitors have matches to win before contemplating a championship encounter.
Shelton starts his Paris Masters campaign against Great Britain’s Cameron Norrie on Tuesday, November 3, before Alcaraz faces Alex Michelsen or Jiri Lehecka on Wednesday, November 4.
If they do not meet in Paris, they could encounter each other in Turin at the ATP Finals. Both players have secured qualification for the year-end championships and may view their title prospects favorably with two-time defending champion Jannik Sinner sidelined by injury. The 2026 ATP Finals commence on Sunday, November 15.
