Ben Shelton is one of tennis’ most exciting talents, having properly established himself among the sport’s elite in recent years.
However, there is still some way to go before he comes even close to realising the limitless potential people are attributing to him.
Blessed with immense physicality and a serve that can trouble anyone on tour, the tools are there for him to challenge Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner.
And yet, he remains a level below them, despite currently sitting eighth in the world rankings.
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With his dad, Bryan, by his side as coach, many are looking to Ben as the best hope for male American success in the near and distant future.
Despite that, fears are creeping in after a handful of huge underperformances this year amidst his trophy success.
Bryan Shelton has an explanation for Ben Shelton’s struggles in Grand Slams
Speaking on the Tennis Insider podcast, Bryan discussed the difficulties he faces with coaching his son.
In an effort to also explain why Ben has suffered so many earlier exits this season, he admitted: “As a coach, that’s the challenge, working with a guy like Ben, who is very aggressive.
“But there are times when he crosses that line and sabotages himself, and doesn’t make it to the second or third round of the tournament.
“It’s difficult to balance those two roles, being a father to someone who is still very young, growing up, discovering life, and at the same time being his coach.
“Yes, it’s tough sometimes. But I think for me it’s just about being patient and aware. And I’m constantly attuned to where Ben is, mentally and emotionally, when he wants to talk about tennis, his game, things related to the sport.
“I’m aware of that. And when he doesn’t want to, I know that too. So I simply respect both of them. And I think that’s where our relationship is healthy.”
It’s certainly true that Shelton has now entered a pivotal part of the ATP season. What he does between now and the end of the season will be scrutinised arguably more than ever.
Ben Shelton’s Grand Slam performances this year
Ben Shelton has prided himself on his ability to show up for the biggest occasions in tennis during his short time on the ATP Tour, but of late that speciality has waned.
In fact, this year has been a relative struggle for the American, who stunned the world when he reached the quarters and semi-finals of a Grand Slam in his first full year on the tour.
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And, whilst he did make it to the quarter-finals of this year’s Australian Open, the way in which the American whimpered to a straight-sets defeat to Jannik Sinner left many feeling he was no closer to cracking the code and truly challenging the world’s best.
Shelton then followed that up with a second-round exit at Roland Garros, and a really disappointing first-round defeat at Wimbledon.
This has not been a poor campaign for the 23-year-old, who has won three ATP titles, the most in a single season in his career to date.
However, it still feels like a lot is hanging on the US Open for Shelton.
