Ben Shelton recently attained glory in Tokyo after winning the Japan Open, his first ATP 500 tournament title. Tennis fans watching the tournament shared their best wishes and congratulatory messages. But Coco Gauff was a step ahead of the rest. She shared many posts for the 21-year-old player, which fired up a round of dating rumors, upsetting fans of the reigning women’s US Open champion.
The rumors of a romantic relationship between the two have been flying around for quite a few months now. While neither of the two players has confirmed or denied any of them, Shelton has talked about their relationship. But his claims in the previous interview are now under scrutiny.
Coco Gauff fans upset at dating rumors with Ben Shelton
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Shelton won the Japan Open in fantastic fashion and gained new momentum after clinching his first ATP 500 title. His friends and family are celebrating with the tennis star, but perhaps no one is as happy as his mixed doubles partner. To congratulate him, Coco Gauff shared three stories on her Instagram stories, which went viral on other social media platforms.
THREE story posts?? yeah that’s her man fr… pic.twitter.com/9ei1DhEg85
— GS Tennis News Today (@gstntoday) October 22, 2023
Many fans have been left wondering if the two players are in a relationship. However, fans of Gauff did not enjoy the outlook and are sharing their thoughts about the dating rumors with Ben Shelton.
One user got concerned about the number of posts Gauff shared celebrating her mixed doubles partner.
Oh 3 is crazy😭😭😭 https://t.co/KcVCuYIKGr
— YDP IS NOW THE BILES II 😻😻😘🙌🏾 (@Simoneismommy2) October 22, 2023
A user felt incredulous at the choice of the young American sensation and said that she picked the worst man as her choice.
Omg Coco you picked the literal worst man https://t.co/C7YPUAlHNh
— 🐝🐝 COCO USO CHAMP!!🤩🥳🇯🇲 (@Yasahi_) October 22, 2023
One fan felt that everything was coming crashing around them if the speculations were true.
It’s never been so over https://t.co/1mAB70HLQF
— // (@aggzzx) October 22, 2023
A fan of Gauff begged the US Open champion to let them know whether she and Shelton were an item.
Yeah coco let us know that’s ya boo 😩
— Jo Targaryen 🐉🛡️ (@Jo_lover234) October 22, 2023
One ‘X’ user felt that Gauff was not being sneaky and couldn’t hide it from the world if there was something going on between the two.
She ain’t slick https://t.co/lmRhQ3dJGJ
— Coco is a slam winner (@PhogoleW) October 22, 2023
Seeing Gauff share over three stories on her Instagram profile for Shelton made one fan believe that she was smitten with him.
Real bad https://t.co/DbRneEvX6I
— IDK, again (@Imma_GENE_Us) October 22, 2023
Contrary to the reactions of other commenters, one user sarcastically said that she is simply being a supportive sister to Shelton.
She’s just a really supportive sister 💀 https://t.co/jJegg1gFjP
— Goat Rena Forever (@Renasupremacist) October 22, 2023
Some fans called the bond between Shelton and Gauff as one of a brother and sister. However, Shelton cleared up the relationship the two tennis stars harbor.
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Shelton talks about relationship with Gauff
In an interview with GQ Sports, Ben Shelton talked about many aspects of his life on and off the court. He acquired a legion of fans after his performance in the US Open and is continuing his great form. He talked about the influence of his friends on tennis, especially Coco Gauff. As dating rumors of the two were running wild back then too, Shelton destroyed the ship by saying that she was his mentor, despite him being older.
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Shelton also said she was like a little sister to him. The pair often share playful banter on and off the court, which initially fired up the rumors. However, Shelton has decisively cleared the fact the two are not dating. Rather, their bond is one that is shared by siblings as per the two players.