Despite Employing Bizarre Tactic to Unsettle Ben Shelton at US Open, Tommy Paul Earns Compatriot’s Heartfelt Praise After ‘Tough’ Tokyo Encounter

At the moment, it looks like Ben Shelton knows no stopping. The young American player, who impressed everyone with his on court heroics at the US Open is continuing to maintain his hot run of form at the Japan Open as well. Recently, he locked horns with compatriot Tommy Paul whom he managed to defeat in straight sets and secure his way into the semi-finals of the tournament.

However, after the win, the 20-year-old was no short of words for his opponent as he left a heartfelt message for him. Despite the fued that happened at the US Open, the two seem to maintain a healthy bond.

Ben Shelton leaves a heartfelt message for opponent Tommy Paul after win at the Japan Open

After defeating Tommy Paul with a scoreline of 7-6, 6-3 in the quarter finals, Ben Shelton came in and left a heartfelt message for his American rival cum friend. Shelton’s comments showed the respect he has for Tommy Paul, where he regarded him as a talented player who had an impressive season. Shelton also revealed the close relationship that the two have, which added more fun to the match.

“It feels great to get through a tough match like that against a good friend & another American who’s had an amazing season,” said Shelton, who made his way into the semi-finals by defeating compatriot Tommy Paul.

Thus, the battle between Tommy Paul and Ben Shelton was the one to lookout for. With both the players playing in good form at the moment, it was Shelton who prevalied victorious at the end. Prior to this meeting, the two locked horns at the US Open earlier this year as well. However, things at that event did not go well as Tommy Paul used some trash-talk tactics to win the match. But, it wasn’t enough for him at the event as well.

Also read: Big Brother Chris Eubanks Rushes to 20-Year-Old Ben Shelton’s Rescue as the Rising American Star Falls Prey to Unwarranted Public Hate

Tommy Paul used reverse trash-talk tactics against Shelton at the US Open

This year’s US Open was a breakthrough moment for Ben Shelton. He made his way into the semi-finals of the tournament and stunned everyone. However, in the fourth round at the tournament, Shelton crossed paths with compatriot Tommy Paul.

In a mathc that went Shelton’s way, Paul admitted that he tried to distract Ben Shelton to take things into his favor. However, insted of going for the regular trash-talk, he went the other way and tried to be overly resprctful to him. Despite this, he was unable to secure the win.

In the psot-match interview, he came ahead and said that it is important sometimes to do these things to try and disturb the rhythm of your opponent. “I try and be like overly respectful. Maybe it will get him out of his rhythm. Like on changeovers, like, Dude, you’re serving great today, that sort of thing,” said Paul after the match.

Thus, the two who have a great bond with each other have been engaged in a healthy trash-talk. However, that was within the boundaries of the game and it was not meant to hurt either’s sentiment.

Watch this story: Will Smith Shows How King Richard Cast Trained Like Serena and Venus Williams