"That was out of pocket" - Ben Shelton hilariously apologizes for 'veteran' remark as Taylor Fritz protests against being called 'old' at Laver Cup
Taylor Fritz and Ben Shelton engaged in hilarious banter during their joint press conference at the 2024 Laver Cup, with Shelton having to apologize for an offhand remark. The American pair teamed up to claim a 7-6(5), 6-4 victory over the formidable duo of Carlos Alcaraz and Alexander Zverev.
Shelton and Fritz are aiming to lead Team World to their third consecutive triumph at the Laver Cup, having played instrumental roles in the team's win last year. Their doubles win allowed Team World to level the score with Team Europe at 2-2 at the end of Day 1.
Speaking in the post-match press conference, Ben Shelton opened up about the "intense atmosphere" at the Laver Cup, emphasizing that he had become accustomed to playing in the team environment with huge crowds in attendance.
"Yeah, I thought it was an intense atmosphere. Every time there is a match at the Laver Cup, it feels intense with the teammates on the sidelines, pretty full stadiums, big crowds obviously for a doubles match than what we are usually used to," Shelton said.
"I think I got pretty used to it with the atmosphere last year at Laver Cup, playing some doubles matches in bigger moments, even though we were up big in the score," he added.
The 21-year-old also expressed confidence in Taylor Fritz's ability to handle the pressure, describing him as a "Laver Cup veteran" and a tennis veteran in general. Shelton quickly realized his mistake and clarified that he wasn't suggesting that Fritz was old.
"Yeah, Taylor is a Laver Cup veteran, or a vet in general, so I'm not too worried about him being prepared for anything out there. I'm not calling you old," he said.
However, the damage was done, as the 26-year-old protested against the implication that he was old, prompting Ben Shelton to apologize for the "out of pocket" remark.
"Vet, I don't know. I'm not that old (smiling)," Fritz said.
"Sorry, bro. That was out of pocket," Shelton responded.
Ben Shelton to take on Carlos Alcaraz on Laver Cup Day 2; Taylor Fritz faces Alexander Zverev
As Team World seeks to gain the upper hand on Day 2 of the 2024 Laver Cup on Saturday, September 21, Ben Shelton will lock horns with Carlos Alcaraz in a blockbuster singles clash. Shelton suffered a 6-3, 7-6(3) loss to Alcaraz in their only tour-level meeting at the 2023 Canadian Open.
Taylor Fritz, meanwhile, will take on Alexander Zverev. Although they stand level at 5-5 in their head-to-head record, Fritz has triumphed over the German in their two most recent encounters at this year's US Open and Wimbledon. Frances Tiafoe and Daniil Medvedev face off in the third singles fixture of the day.
Ben Shelton will then return to the court for the only doubles clash, teaming up with Alejandro Tabilo to battle it out against Casper Ruud and Stefanos Tsitsipas.