Ben Shelton’s father and coach, Bryan Shelton, wore an earpiece to give a live interview from the stands during his son’s first-round match at the French Open. Bryan later said he agreed to it, believing it was good for the game. His actions later caught the fans’ attention, with some criticizing him and others showing support.
Bryan was the head coach for the University of Florida men’s tennis team before starting his stint with his son in 2023. As Ben Shelton’s coach, the 59-year-old often travels with him and is currently in Paris for his French Open campaign.
Fans Divided After Ben Shelton’s Father Bryan Shelton’s Live Mid–Match Interview
The 22-year-old played a grueling first-round match against Lorenzo Sonego and rallied from two-sets-to-one down to secure a 6-4, 4-6, 3-6, 6-2, 6-3 win after over three hours.
Ben’s father, Bryan Shelton, cheered him on from the stands of Court Philippe-Chatrier and also gave a live interview while wearing an earpiece. American tennis journalist Blair Henley shared the update on X, praising him for being open to media interviews and encouraging other coaches to do the same.
“Bryan Shelton said he agreed to wear an earpiece/do live interviews during this match because it’s good for the game. He’s absolutely correct, and he consistently makes himself available to the media. Hopefully other coaches will follow suit,” she wrote.
Bryan Shelton said he agreed to wear an earpiece/do live interviews during this match because it’s good for the game.
He’s absolutely correct, and he consistently makes himself available to the media. Hopefully other coaches will follow suit. pic.twitter.com/3zNgxbWYaS
— Blair Henley (@BlairHenley)
Several fans reacted to the update, with one arguing that in-match and pre-match interviews are unproductive while suggesting that post-match pressers should happen 24 hours after the match.
I wouldn’t during a match. I also strongly believe that all post match pressers need to be 24hrs after a match or game in other sports. The pressers would be much more effective. Pre match interviews need to end. No one has ever said anything productive or good pre match.
— ali (@alicanteahora9) May 25, 2025
Yeah it’s good for entertainment but no serious top 5 player will ever allow someone on their team to do this during the match when everything needs to be close to the vest https://t.co/ZSdmqwes0y
— Hiatus Era (@ontologyofsumud)
A group of fans, on the other hand, lauded Bryan Shelton’s actions, with one writing:
“He is always a class act. Knows his stuff on and off court.”
He is always a class act. Knows his stuff on and off court.
— Alessandra Pedergnana (@Aleped84) May 25, 2025
“I love this. Props Bryan!” another said.
I love this. Props Bryan!
— Nick McCarvel (@NickMcCarvel)
“Coach Shelton has been a class act from day one,” a fan weighed in.
Coach Shelton has been a class act from day one
— jack (@jacknewmanATA)
Ben Shelton Has Reached the Third Round of the French Open 2025
Shelton, who defeated Sonego on Monday, advanced to the third round of the clay-court slam without playing his second-round match against Hugo Gaston, as the Frenchman withdrew from the tournament due to abdominal pain on Tuesday, May 27.
The 22-year-old has reached the third round of the French Open for the second straight year but has yet to advance beyond that stage. Shelton, who is the 13th seed in the tournament, will face either Stefanos Tsitsipas or Italian Matteo Gigante next.
MORE: Ben Shelton Addresses ‘Not Getting Too Upset’ as He Continues Progress in Madrid
