© Dean Mouhtaropoulos / Staff Getty Images Sport
Jimmy Connors talked about his young countryman Ben Shelton’s relationship with his father, explaining how he believes the relationship between an athlete and his father-coach can be conflictual and difficult during the tennis season.
In the episode of the Advantage Connors podcast, Connors clarified his thoughts on the issue, explaining: “Ben’s dad is his coach and who has the experience of being out on the tour and playing himself. So, you know their ego again, which is good.
I know how it was with my mom. Sometimes, that could be a tough relationship if you are listening to your mom or you are listening to your dad and they’re trying to coach you to become a better player. But I mean , there’s nobody that’s in your corner more than them.
So, the trust there is pretty special.”
Shelton: “Jannik Sinner will be in the Top 5 for several years”
Ben gave an interesting interview to Gazzetta dello Sport, and covered many topics, from the Big 3 to Jannik Sinner.
Here are his rosy words: “I have been following Rafael Nadal for a long time and I have tried to steal some secrets from him, but my favorite has always been Roger Federer. I admired Rafa and I think sometimes, when I find myself fighting on the pitch, I take on traits of him on the pitch.
We are talking about a tennis player who never gives up, in every match, and did so in every tournament. My wish is to have a fighting spirit like his. Djokovic? I believe he will continue to win tournaments, in three years he will still be here among the best.
My favorite American tennis player is definitely my father. Then if I have to go beyond the family circle I say Andy Roddick. The national team? We are many and strong, personally I would like to become the first tennis player from my country and lead it in the Davis Cup and be among the protagonists in the Davis Cup too.
Jannik Sinner is only a year older than me and has achieved a lot. He is already in the Top 5 and I believe he will be there for many more years and he leads the entire Italian movement, a generation with several young talents.”
