Ben Shelton after beating Tommy Paul in Tokyo: “It feels great to get through a tough match like that against a good friend & another American who’s had an amazing season.” ❤️
"He has friends everywhere": Ben Shelton's father says son has felt "really welcomed" on the ATP Tour
ATPSaturday, 28 October 2023 at 13:41
Ben Shelton's father Bryan has opened up on how his son has felt "really welcomed" on the ATP Tour since he made his debut last year.
The 21-year-old has made a big impression since he competed in his first ATP Tour-level tournament at the 2022 Atlanta Open. This year, he got people talking after he reached the quarter-final of the Australian Open in January before he pulled off a run to the semi-finals at the US Open last month.
In doing so, Shelton rocketed up the ATP Ranking to World No. 19, before moving up to No. 15 after he won his first ATP title at the recent Japan Open. Therefore, the American player is now a constant presence on the Tour, and seems to be having no problem making friends.
Taylor Fritz and Dan Evans among Shelton's closest friends on Tour
In a recent interview with Ubitennis, Bryan was asked about whether or not Shelton had been able to make friends on the circuit despite the "competitive and individualistic" nature of the sport.
The 57-year-old replied by saying that his son had "friends everywhere" and that the other top-ranked American players had been "very kind to him."
"Oh, it’s funny. He has friends everywhere, you know. And I think his closest friends are the ones he knows best, like Maki [Mackenzie] McDonald, Tommy Paul, Taylor Fritz. These guys have really welcomed him into the American tennis fraternity, and also Francis Tiafoe. All these guys have been very, very kind to him, welcoming him," he said.
He then went on to mention that some, such as British player Dan Evans, see Shelton as a bit like a younger brother and that he was glad that his son was able to "go beyond just tennis" and connect with people.
"So it’s been nice to see; then he has friends like Dan Evans, who treat him a bit like a little brother, you know. They put him in his place sometimes, but you know, in a playful and fun way.
"We’ve also met some nice coaches out here. For us, it’s essential to enjoy the time off the court as well as on it. It’s important to wear a smile, greet people, get to know them and learn more about them. I want him to go beyond just tennis.
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