WATCH: Ben Shelton and Frances Tiafoe high-spiritedly celebrate Team World's win against Daniil Medvedev on final day of Laver Cup
American player Ben Shelton secured a thrilling three-set victory over Daniil Medvedev at the 2024 Laver Cup. His win propelled Team World to an 11-7 lead over Team Europe, even though his doubles partnership with Frances Tiafoe fell short against Carlos Alcaraz and Casper Ruud earlier on Sunday.
On the opening night, Shelton lost to Carlos Alacaraz of Team Europe. This result left Team World and Team Europe tied at 4-4 after the first day's morning session. Undeterred by his defeat, the 21-year-old Florida native redeemed himself by securing a singles victory over Daniil Medvedev, propelling Team World to a 11-7 lead.
Ahead of the second singles match on Day 3, a humorous video surfaced showing Shelton and his Team World teammate Frances Tiafoe attempting a celebratory palm-slap but hilariously failing to connect. Their fellow teammates, Alejandro Tabilo and Taylor Fritz, looked on with amusement.
Here's a look at a video of the celebration:
Medvedev saved the opening set's tiebreak, starting off strong against the American. However, Ben Shelton made a strong comeback, saving four break points, bringing Team World within two matches of securing the victory.
"I think for me it was really important to just stay loose in those moments, I know that I’m a great server, I know I can serve, play my way out of tight spots and I did a great job of that. When I got a little bit tight at certain points in the second set, I was like, ‘just hit a bomb’," Ben Shelton shared after his monumental win. (via Laver Cup)
In the final two singles matches, Taylor Fritz will be up against Alcaraz, while Tiafoe will face Alexander Zverev. These two matches will determine the 2024 Laver Cup champion.
"He's better than he was" - Former American player John McEnroe weighs in on the prowess of Ben Shelton
John McEnroe, the former World No. 1 in singles and doubles, praised the young American Ben Shelton's tennis prowess. The 21-year-old, according to McEnroe, has the potential to become one of the world's top players if he maintains his current level of skill.
"I see Ben in the top five in the world if he keeps progressing. I think he’s got the ability. He wants it. He’s worked at it. He’s better than he was to me a year ago, more complete," McEnroe said. (via Tennis 365)
At the recently concluded US Open, Shelton ousted Dominic Thiem and Roberto Bautista Agut to reach the third round. However, his journey was halted by his compatriot Frances Tiafoe, who emerged victorious in a hard-fought five-set battle with scores of 6-4, 5-7, 7(7)-6(5), 4-6, 3-6.