“Ben Sheldon is a dog; he’s a pit bull”

Modified at 13:07 GMT on October 14, 2023

Serena Williams’ former coach Rick March recently praised rising American star Ben Shelton’s abilities.

Ben Shelton has taken the tennis world by storm in recent months. Less than a year after turning pro, the 21-year-old is already making his mark on the big stage.

March spoke highly of Shelton, especially his serve and forehand skills.

“Florida Gators have a great serve; lefty Ben Shelton,” March said in a video on his Instagram page. “This guy has a bomb; he can really hit the target. I really like his creativity with his forehand. The backhand needs to be a little more consistent. It’s a move in the right direction.”

Rick March also recognized Shelton’s father, Brian, a former tennis player who recently resigned as head coach of the Florida Gators men’s tennis team to become Shelton’s full-time coach at 21.

“His dad was a great player,” March said.

The veteran coach further praised Ben Shelton as a force to be reckoned with. I think the young American will have a bright future once he gets more experience and becomes consistent. March also acknowledged Shelton’s fearless mentality on the court.

“As he gets more experience, he’s going to be a force — and he’s going to be more consistent,” March said. “My favorite thing is, he’s a dog – not a poodle, he’s a bulldog. I like his mentality; there’s a lot of good qualities. Listen, this guy’s not going anywhere, and that’s great for U.S. Tennis It’s a good thing”

---

Ben Shelton’s 2023 season highlights so far

Earlier this year, Ben Shelton traveled overseas for the first time in his life to compete in the Australian Open. The American shocked the tennis world by reaching the quarterfinals of the tournament on her debut. At this stage, he threw in the towel on fellow player Tommy Paul.

Shelton then briefly struggled with his form as he had never played on clay or grass courts. He couldn’t string two wins together. However, amid continued volatility on the hard courts, the American managed to resume his campaign.

Just a few months after reaching his first Grand Slam quarter-final in Melbourne, Shelton fared better and reached his first Grand Slam semi-final at the U.S. Open, this time losing to eventual champion Novak · Djokovic. After competing in the US Open, the young American reached a career-high world ranking of 19th.

He also achieved a Masters 1000 breakthrough at the ongoing Shanghai Masters, entering the quarterfinals of this category for the first time. En route, he earned his second career top-five win in the round of 16, defeating an in-form Jannik Sinner. However, his campaign was ended in the quarter-finals by compatriot Sebastian Korda.

The world number 20 is seeking his first tour-level title and will now try his luck at the ATP 500 in Tokyo.