American tennis player Ben Shelton has surprised the sports community by leaving Team8 Management, a firm co-owned by tennis legend Roger Federer and agent Tony Godsick. Shelton made this move following an impressive clay-court season in Europe and has now signed with WME (William Morris Endeavor) for comprehensive representation spanning all areas of his career.
Team8 Management, established in 2013 by Federer and Godsick, has been a prominent agency for tennis stars, but Shelton’s recent decision marks a notable departure from this affiliation. According to tennis journalist Jon Wertheim, Shelton’s switch to WME was publicly confirmed on the social media platform X. WME, which owns IMG, manages several top-tier athletes such as Serena Williams, Carlos Alcaraz, and Iga Swiatek, adding weight to Shelton’s new partnership.
Interestingly, Shelton’s apparel and shoe sponsorship remains with On Running, a brand supported by Federer since 2023, despite his management change. The reasons behind Shelton’s unexpected decision have not been disclosed, and he has not made a personal statement on the matter. This shift follows a similar recent move by Coco Gauff, another leading American tennis star, who also exited Roger Federer’s management firm weeks earlier.
Exploring Coco Gauff’s Decision to Form Her Own Venture
Earlier in 2025, Coco Gauff, the World No. 2 and recent French Open champion, announced her departure from Team8 Management. Gauff revealed the creation of Coco Gauff Enterprises, her own business initiative, which is also supported by WME, indicating her ambition to expand beyond tennis into business and philanthropy.
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,
Gauff shared on Instagram.
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.
She further emphasized the significance of her new representation, stating that WME offers
a team with the vision and resources to help me explore all the opportunities ahead.
Reviewing Ben Shelton’s Success in the 2025 Season
Ben Shelton has had an outstanding 2025 tennis season so far, particularly in major tournaments. He began the year with an impressive run to the semifinals at the Australian Open, where he was edged out by eventual champion Jannik Sinner in a tightly contested three-set match. Shelton’s competitive form continued at the Indian Wells Masters 1000, where he reached an advanced stage before being defeated by the tournament winner, Jack Draper.
Throughout the clay-court season, Shelton’s performances remained strong. He reached the final of the BMW Open in Munich, demonstrating his growing prowess, although he was bested by Germany’s Alexander Zverev. Shelton’s resilience was further tested at the French Open, where he challenged eventual champion Carlos Alcaraz over four sets in a close contest ultimately decided by slim margins.
Implications of Shelton’s Management Change for His Career
Ben Shelton’s departure from a Roger Federer-affiliated firm shortly after Coco Gauff’s exit signals a potential shift within the management landscape for rising American tennis talents. Joining WME places Shelton among a roster of elite athletes, which could provide access to broader resources and new career opportunities beyond the court. This move highlights the dynamic nature of athlete representation in tennis, where top players are increasingly seeking personalized management paths to complement their evolving careers.