Alcaraz and Ferrero embrace in Turin, nearly a year after their coaching split

A hug in Turin

Carlos Alcaraz and Juan Carlos Ferrero met again on Saturday, 14 November, during a training session in Turin ahead of the ATP Finals. The embrace took place on the centre court of the Inalpi Arena, where Alcaraz was practising with Ben Shelton, the player Ferrero now advises. According to a report citing MARCA, the two had already greeted each other earlier over lunch, away from the cameras. The hug that was filmed was repeated at the end of the session, and this time it lasted longer. The reunion came nearly a year after the pair's last tournament together in the same city.

At the official press conference, Alcaraz described what he expected from the meeting:

“I won't lie, it's going to be a bit strange. I really want to see him again and talk.”

Ferrero's move to Shelton

Ferrero is in Turin to advise Shelton, who is ranked fourth in the world, and he will join the American's team from the 2027 season. El Confidencial reports that he spent a year away from the tour to spend time with his family. He will work alongside Bryan Shelton, Ben's father. Alcaraz, ranked third, said he hoped to see Ferrero in the coaching box and that the American would keep improving with him.

“I can't wait to see him in Ben's box and watch how he is going to improve as a player thanks to 'Juanki'.”

LaSexta reported that Ferrero had been linked by rumours with Jannik Sinner and Rafa Jódar before he chose Shelton. Ferrero had guided Alcaraz to the top of the rankings, and the two parted ways after a long partnership.

Timeline of the split

Ferrero began working with Alcaraz in 2018, when the Murcian was 15, and their partnership produced his first Masters 1000 title in Miami in 2022, his first Grand Slam at the 2022 US Open and the world No. 1 ranking at 19. Their last meeting before this weekend took place on 18 November 2025 at the Davis Cup finals in Bologna, where Alcaraz withdrew with a hamstring edema. The separation was announced on 17 December 2025. By the time of the reunion, 361 days had passed since they had seen each other in person. Alcaraz followed the Paris Masters final, which he won against Shelton, from a distance.

What comes next

The ATP Finals start on Sunday, 15 November. Alcaraz is in the group with Daniil Medvedev, Flavio Cobolli and Frances Tiafoe, and he said that lifting the trophy would be a huge success. He had been out of action for five months with an injury this season, and since returning he has won three titles, including on a surface where he said he had never played well. Alcaraz also said he had adjusted his serve for indoor courts, lowering his stance and bringing the hand further forward. Ferrero's formal role with Shelton begins in 2027. For now, Alcaraz is ranked third and Shelton fourth.