Move aside, Stefanos Tsitsipas and Paula Badosa. Tennis has a new mixed doubles pair in town! With the US Open fast approaching, players have arrived at Arthur Ashe Stadium to begin their prep. Yesterday, things kicked off with the Mixed Madness exhibition event, featuring Ben Shelton and Coco Gauff vs. Tsitsidosa. Perhaps the only thing you remember from that game is the awkward moment between the American duo. But their off-court banter shows all is well in their camp!

Both Shelton and Gauff are getting ready to compete in the last major of the year in front of the home crowd. The latter has added pressure to defend her title this year, especially with a less-than-good performance on hard courts so far. Nevertheless, after all the heartbreak the last few weeks have brought for Gauff, yesterday’s lighthearted game is just what was needed. Even if it was the power couple of Tsitsipas and Badosa that ultimately won the match.

Shelton posted a few pictures of himself and Gauff on the court, praising his partner in the caption, “Got to kick off the US Open with the 🐐 @cocogauff We always rockin with NYC 🤞🏽❤️” But a hilarious battle ensued in the comments when Taylor Fritz jumped into the fray. He wrote, “DR caption” possibly implying that he didn’t read it. Just a little jab at Shelton for not playing with him! The American replied to his friend, “lmao chill” and even Gauff had a response to Fritz, “@taylor_fritz glazing me like crazy😂”

The ATP No. 13 told his WTA compatriot, “@cocogauff my bad imma change the caption to “played with a b*m” 😂” to which Gauff laughingly said, “would be much more realistic hahaha jk😂” While this entertaining duo might not have taken to the court together too often, their off-the-court interactions would make anyone chuckle.

It was evident when yesterday, Shelton stunned Tsitsipas with a close net shot that the Greek just missed, and Gauff came toward Shelton to give him a high five. But her compatriot, too absorbed in the crowd’s cheers, missed the moment. A few seconds later, Gauff just high-fived herself and moved on.

While Shelton received some flak from fans for this, his bond with Gauff is as strong as ever. From escape rooms to trash-talking each other on social media, the duo’s friendship has survived all kinds of ups and downs, including romance rumors!

When Coco Gauff felt compelled to address some rumors between herself and Ben Shelton

Some top-ranked athletes choose to keep their personal lives private and away from the spotlight. Coco Gauff is one of them. While she has openly mentioned that she has a boyfriend, she has never revealed his name. What the community can be firm on, however, is that it’s not Shelton. Even if their banter might suggest otherwise.

In March, the World No. 2 cleared up the situation that her boyfriend is not from the world of tennis, or even sports in general. “He’s actually from Atlanta. And actually, um, I will say this: People on Twitter found him two or three days ago. I won’t respond and confirm if it’s him or not, but they caught me in the comments, so they know. Some people thought it was someone in tennis, which couldn’t be further from the truth,” Gauff said.

Some eagle-eyed fans have deduced the name to be Jalen Sera, a musician-to-be, someone Gauff’s mom taught in school. Shelton, on the other hand, was dating Anna Hall a while back, although it’s uncertain whether they’re still together. Nevertheless, whatever their personal lives might entail, both Shelton and Gauff are professionals when it comes to stepping on the court. The American fans will have high expectations from both in the upcoming US Open.