Ben Shelton is making waves on the ATP Tour, and it’s impossible not to notice. The young American has been serving up some major surprises, taking down players ranked far above him and showing why he’s one of the most exciting rising stars in tennis today. His electrifying run continued at the Laver Cup, where his powerful play was key in pushing his team toward a potential win. Although they didn’t lift the cup, Shelton’s contributions left a lasting impression. His performance has been the talk of the town, and now Andy Roddick has weighed in, giving some insights into what makes Shelton such a force on the court.
The 2003 US Open winner engaged in an interaction on the September 24th episode of Served with Andy Roddick along with his co-host Jon Wertheim. The two deliberated on a wide range of factors pertaining to the recently concluded Laver Cup and the rise of young players. Roddick also discussed Shelton and highlighted how his family background helped him rise through the ranks.
Speaking on the podcast, Roddick said, “If you are a pro tennis player, you are talking about tennis all the time. But you are not hearing different perspectives all the time from people you value their, their opinions on, right? So, like Ben, for sure. I mean, he’s lucky. His dad was top 60 in the world, made, you know, runs at Wimbledon you know.” Remember, Shelton demonstrated some exceptional skills at the Laver Cup and ousted the likes of Daniil Medvedev. Roddick believes that a huge credit behind this rise goes to Shelton’s father, Bryan Shelton.
For the unversed, Bryan Shelton is also a former tennis player who had a career-high ranking of 55. He has also been the coach of his son, Ben, and has helped him immensely in his professional career. This fact was highlighted by Roddick as well in the interview. Continuing further, the former American player said, “So he’s (Ben Shelton) getting, he’s gotten great tennis perspective for his entire life.” Interestingly, the 21-year-old player has also resonated with similar sentiments for his father cum coach.
During an interview with Tennis Magazin, Shelton opened up about his personal and professional equations with his father. “We occasionally have our disagreements, but they are constructive. My dad’s experience and insights are invaluable, and we both try to use these discussions to improve my game.” He further added that his father is the best person who understands him and his emotions for the game. It is probably because of this mutual determination and love for the sport that the father-son duo also hold similar records as well.
When ‘like father like son’ moment unfolded for Bryan and Ben Shelton
Ben Shelton and Bryan Shelton are not just the father-duo powerhouse on the tennis courts but have also witnessed similar records. In 1992, Bryan Shelton won the ATP title in Houston, which was his second title as well. 32 years later, his son emulated the same feat after defeating Frances Tiafoe in the summit clash of the same event. By doing so, the duo became one of the rare father-son pairs to have put their hands on the same trophy.
Shelton also paid tribute to his father after winning the tournament. “My dad won this tournament in 1992. He had that one up on me, and I had to get one back on him today. Thanks for being a trailblazer showing me the way,” he said. The two hold similar records in Wimbledon as well.
The highest run ever for Bryan at the grass-court Grand Slam is to the fourth round of the tournament. Ben made a similar record this season and his most successful run at the tournament is also till the fourth round.
As the sport evolves, it would be interesting to see if Shelton can emulate more such records and continue to make his father proud on the ATP circuit.
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