Ben Shelton created history by reaching the quarterfinals of the Wimbledon Championships for the first time in his career. The American achieved the feat after defeating Italy’s Lorenzo Sonego in the fourth round on Monday, July 7.
During his on-court interview after the match, Shelton revealed his father Bryan’s opinion on his playing style, on which German tennis legend Boris Becker offered his verdict.
Boris Becker Reacts to Ben Shelton’s Revelation About His Father Bryan at Wimbledon
Shelton dropped the first set 3-6 but delivered a gritty performance to take the next three sets 6-1, 7-6(1), 7-5, securing his spot in the quarterfinals of the sport’s oldest Grand Slam. After the match, the World No. 10 revealed that his father, Bryan, has been a key influence on his grass-court game and prefers seeing him move forward more often than he usually does.
Shelton is being coached by his father at the 2025 Wimbledon Championships. He became professional in 2022 and started working with Dean Goldfine before Bryan Shelton became his full-time coach.
“So he kind of inspires the way that I’m playing on grass, the way that I’m moving forward, how I’m cutting off angles, wanting to mix in the serve and volley style, vintage style in tennis every once in a while, and be a little bit unpredictable on the court,” Ben Shelton said.
Shelton after reaching 1st Wimbledon QF
“Who was your inspiration to play this kind of grass court tennis?”
Ben: “My dad. He was in R16 here 31 years ago. He’d like to see me come forward more. My argument is I think I’m better from the baseline” 😂
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) July 7, 2025
Shortly after, six-time Major champion Boris Becker, who had also faced Bryan during his playing days, gave his take on the 22-year-old’s revelations about his father.
“Your dad is correct….,” Becker wrote.
Your dad is correct…. https://t.co/omJJBgr8O3
— Boris Becker (@TheBorisBecker) July 8, 2025
It’s worth noting that Bryan Shelton was also a professional tennis player. As Ben revealed, he reached the fourth round at the 1994 Wimbledon Championships, his best result at the tournament.
His run ended with a hard-fought five-set loss to Christian Bergström, 6-3, 3-6, 6-3, 3-6, 8-10.
Becker Faced Ben Shelton’s Father, Bryan, at Wimbledon
Boris Becker faced Ben Shelton’s father, Bryan Shelton, twice on tour, with both encounters taking place at Wimbledon. Their first meeting came in the opening round of the 1989 Championships, where the German took control early and closed out the match in straight sets, 6-1, 6-4, 7-6.
The two met again three years later at the 1992 Wimbledon Championships. This time, Shelton offered some resistance, but Becker ultimately prevailed in four sets: 6-4, 3-6, 7-6(5), 7-6(5).
More: Who Is Coaching Ben Shelton at Wimbledon? All About His Father’s Guidance
Although Bryan Shelton narrowly missed out on a Wimbledon quarterfinal in his career, he would no doubt take pride in seeing his son reach that milestone. The 22-year-old faces a formidable test in top seed Jannik Sinner on Wednesday, July 7.
The American will be eager to turn the tide against the Italian, who holds a massive 5-1 head-to-head advantage.
