Ben Shelton Brings Kobe’s Mamba Mentality to the US Open

Ben Shelton has frequently pointed to late NBA legend Kobe Bryant as a major source of inspiration for his competitive mindset.

The connection goes beyond sports. Kobe’s “Mamba Mentality”—relentless preparation, confidence, discipline and the drive to keep improving—has become a mindset Shelton carries onto the tennis court.

At the US Open, Shelton is showing how an athlete can take lessons from one sport and apply them to another: compete with purpose, embrace pressure and never stop pushing for an edge.