Madison Keys’ coach was left very impressed by the skills of Ben Shelton’s coach Bryan.
The 59-year-old, who is also the World number 13’s father, has guided him to the semi-finals of both the US Open and Australian Open.
Ben Shelton is at a career-high ranking of 13 and he is looking to build on these results throughout the season and beyond.
The Shelton duo have an admirer in Bjorn Fratangelo, who just guided his wife Madison Keys to Grand Slam glory for the first time.
Madison Keys’ coach comments on Ben Shelton’s Dad’s training methods
Fratangelo is a relatively new coach on the circuit after he began working with Keys in June 2023. It took him less than two years to help his wife and the World number seven achieve her dream and lift a major title.
Keys defeated Aryna Sabalenka in a thrilling final to win the Australian Open and Fratangelo was overcome with emotion as he celebrated with her post-match.
He is a student of the game and studies other coaches, such as Ben Shelton’s dad Bryan Shelton. The former ATP Tour player retired from collegiate coaching to start coaching his son in 2023, the same year Fratangelo began coaching Keys.
During an appearance on Andy Roddick’s ‘Served’ podcast, Fratangelo explained what he admired most about his fellow coach and the way he operates.
“I really try to come out of it from a player perspective. I would watch the best coaches and I am upset when Ben Shelton goes out because I love watching him and his Dad practice,” the 31-year-old said.
“I think his Dad is just super specific on whatever they are trying to improve. You don’t see a lot of wasted time and I really appreciate that. You can kind of get lost in the reps in practice a little bit, I definitely felt that as a player.
“I did so much hitting but I could have worked on my first ball strike a bit more or specific plays which could have helped me at 4-4, 30-30 or stuff like that.”
What have Madison Keys and Ben Sheton said about their respective coaches?
Keys was without a coach until Fratangelo agreed to be her new coach, which has proved to be a genius move.
During an interview with CBS after her Australian Open triumph, Keys opened up on what it is like being coached by her husband and admitted it was not easy for her to convince Fratangelo to coach her.
“I didn’t have a coach at the time and I basically had to beg him to come with me. He said ‘I don’t like telling you what to do,” she said.
“We’ve done such a good job when we were both playing to stay partners and not really blur the lines and get involved in each other’s careers. But it’s been so amazing and to win this and win it with him, it’s incredible.”
Speaking about his father and coach, Shelton said back in 2024: “We started working really well together when we got on tour,” he said. “I really started to appreciate everything he brought to the table for me.”
Receive exclusive tennis news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
