Carlos Alcaraz has said it will be strange to see his former coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero, in Ben Shelton's coaching box at the ATP Finals. Shelton is in the John McEnroe group alongside Alexander Zverev, Arthur Fils and Rafael Jodar, while Alcaraz is in the Ivan Lendl group with Daniil Medvedev, Flavio Cobolli and Frances Tiafoe.

Shelton recently entered a partnership with Ferrero, who spent a year away from coaching after his split with Alcaraz in December 2025. Ferrero will coach the American alongside Shelton's father, Bryan Shelton, and has committed to 12 tournaments a year with him, including the four Grand Slams, Masters 1000 events and the ATP Finals.S1

Shelton said he contacted Alcaraz before the news became public because of how long and successful the Spaniard's partnership with Ferrero had been. He said Alcaraz replied straight away after winning in Vienna, saying he was happy for him and that Shelton's game would improve greatly working with Ferrero. Shelton had reached the final of the Paris Masters, where Alcaraz beat him in straight sets.S1S2

Speaking at the ATP Finals press conference, Alcaraz said it would feel a little weird to see Ferrero again after such a long time, but that he was excited to talk to him and to see the improvements Ferrero would bring to Shelton's game. The Spaniard, the second seed and a former champion, is the overwhelming favourite with Jannik Sinner ruled out through injury. Alcaraz was pictured with his knee taped during practice and stopped one session early due to reported stomach discomfort.S1S2