Source: Essentially Sports
Juan Carlos Ferrero encountered an unusual scenario at the 2026 Paris Masters, where he had to coach Ben Shelton in a match against his long-time protégé, Carlos Alcaraz. After seven years of guiding Alcaraz's career, Ferrero found himself on the opposite side of the net, analyzing his former student's game. Despite the oddity of the situation, Ferrero embraced the challenge, focusing on Shelton's strengths to strategize for the match. This unique dynamic highlights the complexities of coaching relationships in professional tennis, as Ferrero navigates his dual role as a mentor and competitor. The outcome of this match will be closely watched, given the history between Ferrero and Alcaraz.