“Dan Evans treats him like a little brother,” Ben Shelton’s father Bryan names the youngster’s closest friends on the Tour days after he called himself ‘boring’

Bryan Shelton discussed his son's journey in tennis so far and how he made friends in the community. 

“Dan Evans treats him like a little brother,” Ben Shelton’s father Bryan names the youngster’s closest friends on the Tour days after he called himself ‘boring’

Ben Shelton and Bryan Shelton (Credits: The New York Times)

Ben Shelton’s father, Bryan Shelton, recently gave an interview to Ubitennis. He discussed his son’s journey in tennis so far and how he has adjusted to his surroundings. Bryan himself is a college tennis coach and a former pro-tennis player.

Speaking about his son, he said that Ben has made close friends in the tennis community. Although the youngster is new to the pro-tennis scene and took his time getting acquainted with everyone, Shelton has eventually warmed up and made good friends.

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He has found a solid support system within the American tennis community. Maki McDonald, Tommy Paul, Taylor Fritz, and Frances Tiafoe—all the American hotshots—have become some of his closest friends. These players have welcomed him with open arms, which is particularly heartening for a newcomer like Ben.

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Oh, that's funny. He has friends everywhere, you know. And I think the closest friends are the ones he knows best, like Maki McDonald, Tommy Paul, Taylor Fritz. These guys really welcomed him into the American tennis fraternity, and Francis Tiafoe too.

Additionally, Ben has formed a unique bond with Dan Evans, who seems to have taken on the role of his big brother. They banter and tease each other, just like family. His new friends also keep him in line with their playful manner. 

 All these guys were very, very nice to him, welcoming him. So that was cool to see; then he has friends like Dan Evans, who treats 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.
via UBITennis

The American had mentioned before that he was reserved and quiet off the court and had trouble making new friends. He called himself boring. It seems like he has broken out of his shell and gained a sense of camaraderie with his contemporaries. 

Bryan Shelton wants his son to enjoy life beyond tennis

In the interview, the father expressed his wishes for his 2-year-old son to go beyond tennis. He recalls having met some really good coaches. Further stating that having fun both on and off the tennis court is essential.

Ben Shelton (Credits:CNN)
Ben Shelton (Credits:CNN)

He further added: 

We also met some nice coaches out here. For us, it's really important to enjoy our time off the field as well as on the field.It's important to stay with a smile on your face, greet people, get to know them, and learn more about them. I want him to go beyond just tennis.

He feels it’s important to build good connections with people by staying humble and approaching everyone in a friendly manner. The emphasis goes beyond the sport of tennis, to create deeper connections.

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