The American tennis stars, Tommy Paul and Ben Shelton’s on-court prowess has amused the entire tennis realm. However, only one of them has proceeded to further rounds of the Australian Open as they were put up against each other for a quarterfinal clash. It was a heated battle between the two Americans playing for a semifinal spot in the Grand Slam event. Paul emerged victorious after a fourth-set thriller match in Melbourne Park.
However, despite the heat of battle, Paul and Shelton were involved in a heartfelt locker room moment after the match. The camaraderie between the two American rivals has also won the hearts of a slew of tennis fans. Consequently, the tennis community flocked to social media to react to their friendliness towards each other.
Fans are in awe of the American tennis players, Tommy Paul and Ben Shelton
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
After a fierce battle on the court, Tommy Paul entered the locker room while receiving a lot of praise from the staff. The Australian Open semifinalist was further spotted hugging and respecting everyone there in the room. Paul further went to his compatriot and rival, Ben Shelton, to applaud him for putting up a tough fight on the court.
Despite losing the intense quarterfinal match, Shelton was spotted smiling while he shook hands with his opponent. A video clip of the heartfelt moment was also shared by the Australian Open’s official Twitter page. They further added a caption, “Wholesome moments for team@TommyPaul1…ft. @BenShelton”
A slew of tennis fans also took note of that video clip while sharing reactions to the camaraderie between the two American rivals. Notably one of the fans said, “okay i dont really love usa american tennis players but this is cute”
okay i dont really love usa american tennis players but this is cute https://t.co/XMUn3PXzgy
— andrey victorian child era?! (@rubwehv) January 26, 2023
Meanwhile, one of the fans said a Netflix series like the tennis documentary ‘Break Point’ show cover such moments between two rivals.
I dont know if this is because of the Netflix series because I didn't watch it, but showing these behind the scenes type of things is a big plus I think. https://t.co/759U9Kbe7l
— 🎾Tennis Pig 🐷 (@TennisPig) January 25, 2023
While some fans compared their friendship to two of the greatest tennis players, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. The two ATP legends have shared a close friendship through their illustrious journey on the court. Notably, a fan shared a photo of Nadal and Federer’s emotional moment from the Laver Cup. He also added a caption, “Tommy and Ben in 2043,” while suggesting that the two American might look that later.
Tommy and Ben in 2043 pic.twitter.com/rMwFptco06
— totspur (@totspur10) January 26, 2023
Another fan said, “Is it just me or does Shelton looks a bit like young Rafa here”
Is it just me or does Shelton looks a bit like young Rafa here
— PhineMotorSkills (@rdmtennisfan) January 26, 2023
Others reacted in a similar way.
Ben shelton 🥹 https://t.co/vEmSmlx5BU
— Ija 🏆22 (@IjaaHafizah) January 26, 2023
Benny is so pure 🥺
— aquipuedoodiar (@vetealavergha) January 26, 2023
look at Ben's smile! Gosh, I think I am a die hard fan already! What a good sport!
— a girl in Brooklyn (@agirlinbklyn) January 25, 2023
I got ya next time TP 😏. Good luck out there👏🏽 https://t.co/G0xOPFHspC
— Ben Shelton (@BenShelton) January 26, 2023
Tommy gonna win it all https://t.co/OSPhbqswVk
— Slime💜 (@762_jd) January 25, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Ben looks so happy for Tommy 🥺 https://t.co/aPDZPVrjtW
— Ńaledzani (@Sithasomlilo) January 25, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
What do you think of the friendship between the two American tennis stars? Let us know in the comments section.
WATCH THIS STORY: Hilarious Meaning of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, and Serena Williams on Urban Dictionary!