Key Takeaways
- Andy Murray recalled hitting with Ben Shelton before retiring, stating, “the guy’s arm is like unbelievable. Like speed of his serve, the amount of spin he could put on the serve, it’s like very, very impressive.”
- Murray praised Bryan Shelton’s calm presence, revealing, “I’ve actually spoken to him a few times about how you go about teaching and helping your kids, because I know myself, very hard thing to do to get your kids to listen to you.”
- Turning his attention to Taylor Fritz, Murray described the American as “one of the best competitors on the tour” who makes every match difficult for his rivals.
Laver Cup reflections on Ben Shelton and Bryan Shelton
Former world No. 1 Andy Murray never faced Ben Shelton in an official competitive match prior to ending his illustrious singles and doubles career at the 2024 Paris Olympics. However, the three-time Grand Slam champion shared the court with the young American during practice sessions and came away stunned by his raw physical capabilities.
Walking the grounds at the Laver Cup, Murray fielded questions alongside his brother Jamie Murray for their joint YouTube channel. The 39-year-old Scot reflected on Shelton’s rapid ascent following his run to the US Open final, emphasizing both his natural power and his family dynamic.
“Well for him now he’s obviously at the highest point in his career getting to a Slam final,” Murray explained. “I’d imagine he’s also at the highest ranking he’s been at. I really like his story. Like he’s got his dad as his coach. His dad used to be a top 50 player.”
Remembering the hitting sessions they shared before his retirement, Murray could not hide his admiration for the left-hander’s mechanics: “I hit with him a few times before I retired and the guy’s arm is like unbelievable. Like speed of his serve, the amount of spin he could put on the serve, it’s like very, very impressive.”
Beyond the ferocious delivery, Murray noted Shelton’s demeanor when the racquets are put away. “And it’s like big personality, but you spend time with him away from the court and yeah, he’s like super nice, very relaxed and yeah his dad is a lovely guy,” he observed.
Murray, who recently coached Jack Draper after a 6-month coaching stint alongside Novak Djokovic, admitted he has sought advice from Bryan Shelton on parenting and coaching. “I’ve actually spoken to him a few times about how you go about teaching and helping your kids, because I know myself, very hard thing to do to get your kids to listen to you,” Murray said. “But the fact that he’s coaching his son at the highest level and sits at the side of the court and still seems to be relaxed and enjoying that moment, I think is really cool.”
Murray hails Taylor Fritz as an elite competitor
Shelton, who withdrew from this edition of the Laver Cup following his major final run in New York, was not the only American player to earn high marks from Murray. The British tennis icon also singled out Taylor Fritz for his relentless fighting spirit.
“Great competitor. I think he’s one of the best competitors on the tour,” Murray said of Fritz. “Like he rarely, he’s not someone that usually beats himself.”
Fritz experienced heartbreak at the US Open when he relinquished a 2-set lead, an outcome Murray touched upon without diminishing his respect for the American No. 1. “He actually had a tough loss at the US Open this year, I think from two sets to love up, where he spoke about that where his level dropped off a bit in that match,” Murray commented.
“But yeah, just generally he’s a great competitor and I love that about him because you know when he shows up that he’s going to make it a difficult match whoever he’s playing against. Great serve, really good arm on him. Very good.”
Ben Shelton in 2026
Now ranked no.4 (career-high), the American played his last match on the 19th of September when he surrendered to world no.15 Jakub Mensik 5-7 6-4 6-3 in the Rubber 4 of the Davis Cup (draw).
This season the American has achieved a compiled 39-16 win-loss record. Shelton clinched 4 titles in 2026 in Dallas, Munich, Stuttgart and Montreal.
