US tennis ace makes announcement as Roger Federer hit by second blow after Coco Gauff exit

Ben Shelton has followed in the footsteps of Coco Gauff by leaving Roger Federer’s management company, Team8, with the American announcing a new career move

Roger Federer has been hit with another high-profile exit from his management firm, Team8 Management, as Ben Shelton announced his departure.

The tennis titan co-founded the company in 2013 with his long-time agent Tony Godsick. Just months after the 20-time Grand Slam champion bid farewell to former client Coco Gauff, who left the firm in April, now Shelton is following suit.

As he prepares for Wimbledon later this month, it was revealed that Shelton has signed with talent agency WME (William Morris Endeavor), which owns IMG (International Management Group).

This agency boasts a star-studded roster of tennis players, including Carlos Alcaraz, Serena Williams, and Iga Swiatek. Shelton now joins these athletes under the WME umbrella.

Meanwhile, recent French Open champion Gauff has embarked on her own venture, founding Coco Gauff Enterprises, backed by WME.

In an Instagram post announcing her new career move, the 21-year-old wrote: “Today I’m thrilled to announce the launch of Coco Gauff Enterprises, a venture that reflects my passion for making an impact – not just in tennis, but in business, philanthropy, and beyond.

“Taking this big step forward also means closing the incredible chapter I have shared with Team8. I’ll always be grateful for everything they’ve done for me and my family, and I know I’ll look back on that time with deep appreciation and fond memories.”

While Shelton is no longer affiliated with Team8, Swiss apparel brand On Running continues to be his on-court sponsor, with Federer among their shareholders.

It’s been nearly three years since the eight-time Wimbledon champ called time on his career, yet his legacy endures within the sport according to Michael Chang, the former French Open winner.

Chang, 53, who made history in 1989 as the youngest man to clinch a singles major at Roland Garros and currently coaches Kei Nishikori, lauded Federer and Rafael Nadal for altering the dynamics in the sport, especially in the locker room atmosphere.

“Federer and Nadal changed the culture in the locker room, to be honest with you. The generation that we followed was very competitive, didn’t really talk to each other,” he declared during an interview with CLAY and RG Media.

“Roger, Rafa and even Novak, they changed the culture very much so in the locker room. On the court, it’s business. You want to play as hard as you can. But off the court, those guys were kind to everybody.

“Whether you are the ranked No. 2 in the world or whether you are the 100th-ranked guy in doubles, they treated you the same. I think that has carried on through this generation. Because they have respect for everybody.”