Ben Shelton
shared that his father could join him as his coach.
The young
American gained fame after his performance at the 2023 Australian Open, where
he reached the quarterfinals in his first tournament outside of the United
States. However, since his strong start at the first Grand Slam of the year,
Shelton has struggled to achieve good results and was eliminated in the first
round of the French Open by Lorenzo Sonego.
The
disappointment at Roland Garros is not new, as since the Aussie Open, he has
only won one match out of the seven he has played in Masters 1000 or Grand Slam
tournaments.
The
20-year-old athlete shared an emotional post about his father Bryn Shelton's accomplishments
as a collegiate coach and congratulated him on nearly 25 years of coaching
young college tennis players.
"My
dad retired from collegiate coaching today. Congrats on everything you've
accomplished in your 24 years out there. This isn't a career that's defined by
championships and accolades but by people impacted and lives changed,"
wrote Ben Shelton.
"There
isn't a better role model for young men trying to find their way in life. The
Gator Nation may have suffered a blow with this one, but we always bounce
back," he added.
"That
being said, the dream team is back together baby. Can't wait to have you out on
tour with me and see what we can accomplish together," the American
concluded.
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.