Victoria Azarenka highlights Ben Shelton’s special bond with father Bryan after reaching first Grand Slam final
ATP
Victoria Azarenka has made a rare public appearance amid her prolonged absence from professional tennis to praise Ben Shelton and his father Bryan after the American reached his first Grand Slam final at the US Open. The former world No. 1 highlighted the Shelton family's relationship after Ben's victory over Frances Tiafoe.
Azarenka, who has not played an official match since the 2025 US Open and has yet to confirm whether she intends to return to competition, offered a different perspective on Shelton's breakthrough.
Shelton defeated Tiafoe 4-6, 6-3, 6-3, 7-5 in an all-American semifinal to reach the biggest match of his career. The 23-year-old will face Alexander Zverev in Sunday's final, with a maiden Grand Slam title now within reach after an impressive run in New York.
The achievement has also brought renewed attention to the partnership behind Shelton's rise. Bryan has remained a central figure in his son's development since he moved into professional tennis, using his own experience as a former player and coach while navigating the additional challenge of working with his son at the highest level.
Azarenka highlights Shelton's father-son relationship
Azarenka, a two-time Australian Open champion and former world No. 1, singled out the balance between the personal and professional sides of the Shelton partnership.
“The relationship between Bryan Shelton and Ben Shelton—as father and son, but also as coach and player—is probably one of the healthiest dynamics I’ve personally seen in sports.”
The relationship between Bryan Shelton and Ben Shelton—as father and son, but also as coach and player—is probably one of the healthiest dynamics I’ve personally seen in sports.
— victoria azarenka (@vika7) September 12, 2026
Parent-coach relationships can be particularly complicated in professional sport, where the same person must provide emotional support while also making difficult decisions and offering criticism. The demands of the tour can put pressure on both sides of that relationship, especially as a player moves deeper into the biggest tournaments.
Bryan brings his own experience from professional tennis into the partnership. He reached a career-high No. 55 in the ATP rankings before establishing himself as a college coach, eventually becoming a central figure in his son's development as Ben moved from the University of Florida to the professional tour.
That partnership has now reached a new level with Ben's run in New York. The American defeated Carlos Alcaraz in a five-set quarterfinal before overcoming Tiafoe in the semifinals, showing the ability to handle the pressure of the biggest matches of his career.
Shelton's biggest moment with Bryan in his corner
The importance of family has also been evident during Shelton's run. After defeating Tiafoe, the American spoke about the sacrifices made by his parents and connected his breakthrough to his family's history.
“It’s a lot of emotion. My dad, my mom sacrificed a lot for me to be in this position today," the world No. 9 said. "My dad lost his mom earlier this year, and she’s the reason that he was able to play tennis. Without her, there’s no Ben Shelton standing here today. This one is for her.”
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The moment provided another insight into the personal side of Shelton's rise. Bryan is not simply watching his son compete for a Grand Slam title; he is preparing him for the biggest match of his career while experiencing the occasion as a father.
That is the balance Azarenka chose to highlight. While the relationship between a player and coach is inherently professional,
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
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.
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mandoist12-11-2026 - Tell this to Andreeva!mandoist12-11-2026
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