Is having parents as coaches a help or a hindrance in the process of making a champion? Well, in the tennis world, there are plenty of examples of parents who have helped their kids deliver on the biggest stages of the game. One of the prime examples is none other than the Williams sisters. Sometimes it can be a bit tricky to handle though. We saw what happened between Stefanos Tsitsipas and his father, Apostolos in recent times. Let’s find out what the American star Ben Shelton has to say about the experience of having an ex-professional in the house.

Ben Shelton and his father, Bryan Shelton share a unique chemistry. During a recent interview with Tennis Magazin, Ben was asked about how his father convinced him to take up the racquet sport. In response to that, he said his father has always been very supportive of him and never forced him to take up something. Once he discovered his love for the sport, he was determined to pursue tennis himself. Then the next question that was thrown at him was: How tricky is it to have an ex-professional as 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. Overall, I think my dad is the best person when it comes to understanding where I am mentally and when to push me and when to give me space,” said Ben Shelton. Previously during the 2024 Wimbledon Championships, we saw quite a few heartwarming moments between the father-son duo. Shelton reached the fourth round in Wimbledon and equaled his father’s best-ever run at this iconic tournament. Bryan Shelton also reached the R32 in the 1994 season.

What a moment it was for the Shelton family! He celebrated the moment with his dad who was in the players’ box as his coach. Ben Shelton gave him a bright smile saying, “We’re back big dog.” Recalling that moment, Shelton went on to add, “It’s great to be able to share this moment with him. I feel that he helps me a lot and the fact that he can now give me instructions on the court is being key to my progress. I really admire what he did with me when I was little because he never put pressure on me, but instead let me try many sports.”

Growing up as a kid of a renowned coach always came with added pressure. Once Shelton opened up on how “tough” it’s being the coach’s son. Because he always had to ensure that he worked harder and pushed himself further because his father didn’t want to show “favoritism.”

There was also a time when Ben Shelton started to miss his father’s guidance, wisdom, and support during his initial day on the Tour. Because at that time, Bryan Shelton was still working at the university. What are Bryan’s thoughts on his super-talented son?

Ben Shelton’s father reveals that single factor which separates his son from others

During the 2023 US Open, Bryan Shelton reflected on a lot of things that his son Ben Shelton worked on. Be it building more patience during his games or learning a few technicalities to bring out his A-game. The proud father seemed to be happy looking at his son’s rapid progress.

Then again in October 2023, Bryan talked to Ubi Tennis, and during that interview, he spoke about the factor that makes Ben Shelton a really ‘special’ player. “I think he’s a great competitor, he loves to compete and it doesn’t matter the level. Whether it’s a Challenger tournament, ATP or a Grand Slam, he sees it as an opportunity to show his talent, his personality, to have fun,” Bryan said. He also spoke about his son’s dedicated work ethic which separates him from the rest.

“Many players, after a tournament, maybe think about taking a week off, but he never even thought about taking a break. He wants to play again, you know? He loves the challenge. I like that he has that attitude because I think he’s special,” said the former college tennis coach.

According to Bryan’s observations, Ben always wants to compete, train, and push himself further, even at times when he doesn’t feel 100%. Do you think Ben Shelton can land a Grand Slam title at some stage next season? Let us know in the comments below.