(TEN) Bryan Shelton Becomes Ben's Full-Time Coach

"He hasn't scratched the surface yet"
Father and son are reunited.

Former World No. 55 Bryan Shelton announced on Friday he is stepping down from his role as head men’s tennis coach at the University of Florida. Having led a women’s team (Georgia Tech, 2007) and men’s team (Florida, 2021) to national championships, he will embark on a new journey — coaching son Ben Shelton on the ATP Tour.

“The dream team is back together baby‼️” Ben wrote on Instagram. “Can’t wait to have you out on tour with me, and see what we can accomplish together.”
Bryan’s overwhelming feeling at the moment is gratitude. After his professional career, the American has become one of the most respected coaches in college tennis and even coached Ben for two years, during which the Florida Gators won the national championship as a team and Ben captured singles glory.
“I think in his mind, he's always thought that ultimately, we'd be able to do this together,” Bryan said. “We started together on the court and I think we've kind of built that coach-player relationship through the years as we continue to build our own relationship as father-son. And those two kind of went side by side along the way.
Now Bryan is thrilled to join his 20-year-old son on the road for his own professional journey.
“Thankful that I have another opportunity that's really exciting that's about to get started,” Bryan told ATPTour.com. “I feel like a little bit of a kid again. At this stage in life, to be able to start something new and fresh and exciting is incredible. So I think that those are the things that are probably pouring out of me right now. Just gratitude and excitement.”
According to Bryan, Ben has intimated over the past year since turning professional that he would like to one day have his father by his side.
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What a very impressive win! I was at Ben's 3rd round match. It was the 1st time seeing him live. Ben's very charismatic and the fans adore him! Major corporations are lining up and courting the future US #1 player for endorsement deals ($$).
Today Ben had less unforced errors by hitting a lot more controlled groundies. His net volleys have greatly improved-for a power hitter who blasts 149mph serves and overpowering groundstrokes, Ben has a remarkably soft touch. He also has great anticipation at net-he seems to know where the other player is going to hit the ball. The biggest differences between Ben and the top players is their ability to grind it out with their groundstrokes. Ben was so successful in college by overpowering his opponents. That's a little more difficult against the top pros, especially in 5-set matches, and on clay. Serena Williams won so many Grand Slams not only by overpowering her opponents, but she also was able to counterpunch and play great defensive tennis. She could grind it out when her serve was off, or when her groundstrokes were flying off the court, she made adjustments and hit with more topspin. Ben's groundstrokes are solid and he has fantastic form. And with more experience, he'll learn to be more patient, how to harness and control his massive energy more efficiently, and how to construct points out before blasting a winner, or hitting a delicate drop shot. And he always has that booming serve in his pocket to blast a 150mph up-the-tee, or the crazy lefty spin-out-wide serve on the ad court to get him out of jams.