"I just want to be near you and learn and listen" - Todd Woodbridge reveals what Ben Shelton told John McEnroe at Laver Cup

Former Australian tennis player and Grand Slam semifinalist Todd Woodbridge unveiled the insights shared by Ben Shelton with Team World captain John McEnroe ahead of the 2023 Laver Cup in Vancouver, Canada.

In The AO Show podcast, Todd Woodbridge reported that Ben Shelton was spotted alongside John McEnroe courtside. According to Woodbridge, Shelton expressed his decision not to bring a coach, his father, or anyone else with him to the Laver Cup.

Instead, he conveyed his desire to be near McEnroe and his intention was to absorb knowledge and insights from the tennis legend.

"Ben was with John courtside, and he said, 'I didn’t want to bring a coach with me, or my dad, or anybody; I want to come here because I just want to be near you and learn and listen'," Woodbridge said.

Woodbridge added that Shelton's eagerness to absorb knowledge from such a tennis icon presents a unique opportunity for him to enhance his skills and become a better player.

"Which I think is unbelievably good; so refreshing to hear that. He looks up to the guy, he knows all about him, and he’s got this opportunity to take this information and make himself a better player," Todd Woodbridge said.

The 20-year-old is a part of the Team World and will compete against the Frenchman Arthur Fils from Team Europe as the sixth edition of the Laver Cup begins on September 22.

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Ben Shelton discusses his viral US Open celebration & shares what he anticipates most at the Laver Cup

During a pre-tournament press conference, Ben Shelton was questioned about potential unique victory celebrations following his 'dial-in' gesture controversy at the recently concluded US Open. He suggested he has no such plans for the Laver Cup.

Shelton also emphasized that any celebrations would be a collective effort with his teammates, underlining the team-oriented nature of the tournament.

"I guess my one celebration kind of went viral at the US Open, but I don't think normally in tournaments that I play I'm one who has a signature celebration," Ben Shelton said.

"I think this is a team event, so if there is any celebration that I'm going to be doing, it's with the guys who are going to be on the bench next to me or cheering for me," he said. "So that's kind of what I'm looking forward to the most," he added.

Alongside Shelton, Taylor Fritz, Frances Tiafoe, Tommy Paul, Felix Auger-Aliassime, and Francisco Cerundolo are a part of Team World, with John McEnroe as captain and Patrick McEnroe as vice-captain.

The team emerged as the champions of the 2022 edition of the tournament, and are all set to defend their title.