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Ben Shelton will reach peak in next two months, but father might be hurdle along the way, says legend Jimmy Connors

Originally posted on FirstSportz | By Laxman Naren | Last updated 4/16/24

Ben Shelton has risen to become the top-ranked American tennis player, surpassing Taylor Fritz. After a successful 2023, a tennis legend predicts that Shelton will continue to excel in the coming months.

From one leftie to another, tennis legend Jimmy Connors talked about the difficulties that come with having a parent as a coach and revealed that his father might be a hurdle along the way.

Sometimes, it could be a difficult relationship if you listen to your mom or dad and they're trying to coach you to be a better player. Shelton's dad is his coach and he has the experience of being on tour and playing on his own. So, you get to know their ego again, which is good. said Jimmy Connors during a recent episode of the Advantage Connors podcast

Ben Shelton’s father, Bryan Shelton, was also a professional tennis player who achieved several title wins in America. Due to this background, Connors believes that Ben may face the challenge of living up to his father’s legacy.

Jimmy Connors predicts Ben Shelton to do wonders in the clay and grass season

Ben Shelton, the youngest American No. 1, also received high praise from Jimmy Connors, who believes in his potential to excel on clay and grass surfaces in the upcoming seasons.

I think in the next couple of months he will peak if he takes care of himself and his game. I think the next couple of months on clay, whatever it does for him, he's going to have to get him in good shape, that's one thing for sure. added Jimmy Connors on his podcast

Competing in the ATP Houston, the Florida Native, was the favorite there. He entered the clay tournament as the No.1 seed and managed to hold that position, beating his compatriot Frances Tiafoe for the title. With this win, Shelton surpassed Taylor Fritz in the PIF ATP rankings to become the No.1 American.

This is a tremendous moment for Shelton, who not only became the American No. 1 but also the youngest since Andy Roddick in 2004 to achieve this milestone. Additionally, Shelton joins Jimmy Connors and John McEnroe as the third American left-handed player to accomplish this feat.

This article first appeared on FirstSportz and was syndicated with permission.

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