Bryan Shelton says Ben Shelton self‑sabotages, causing early tournament exits

Coach and father Bryan Shelton explained on the Tennis Insider Club podcast that his son, American player Ben Shelton, often undermines his own performance, leading to losses in the second or third round of events. Shelton said the challenge is balancing parental care with coaching, stressing the need for patience, monitoring Ben’s mental and emotional state, and asking questions rather than dictating solutions. He noted that confidence can be fragile and that periods of self‑doubt frequently trigger the self‑sabotage. Ben is set to compete next at the DC Open.

Shelton emphasized keeping tennis enjoyable, reminding his son that results are a consequence of the game, not its sole purpose. The discussion highlighted the complexities of a father‑coach relationship in elite sport.