What did Ben Shelton say about Coco Gauff? All you need to know about the American's controversial comments at US Open 2024 that resulted in backlash
Ben Shelton landed in trouble for comparing Coco Gauff's tennis ability to that of a male player while attempting to praise his close friend. Shelton was speaking winning the first-round match at the 2024 US Open.
Shelton began his campaign at the 2024 US Open against Dominic Thiem on August 26. The American was in great form in the match, utilizing his huge serves and heavy groundstrokes to overwhelm the 2020 US Open champion and emerge victorious 6-4, 6-2, 6-2. In his post-match press conference, Shelton was asked about his opinion on Gauff and her rise in the sporting world.
Shelton gave several reasons for Gauff's popularity, with her catchy name being one of them. He then praised Gauff's personality and compared her game style to a male player's. Shelton added that Gauff's passion for sports resonates with fans and makes her an instant favorite.
"I mean, I think first of all, the name is Coco, right? It's something that sticks in your mind. I mean, shout-out to Corey and Candi Gauff, because I think the name is half of it. It's a name that you remember," Shelton said.
He added:
"Then, yeah, she's charismatic, such a great athlete, so many qualities out there on the court that, you know, resemble a male player, the way that she moves, the way that she can defend. You just see something from her that's special and different. Then obviously she plays with a lot of passion. You could tell that she cares out there. She's into it every time that she's on the court. I think that's something that the people love."
While Shelton meant to compliment Gauff's athleticism, his comparison of her with a male player subsequently drew the ire of many tennis fans. Many found his comment insensitive and unnecessary and urged the young American to be more careful with his words.
"Extremely insensitive wtf this how yk he just don’t gaf nor does he think abt the shit he says Bc why would you say that," a fan wrote.
"We need to stop asking men to share their opinions about women," a fan tweeted.
"Definitely could’ve done without the bit about her game resembling a male player’s…," another fan said.
"What an insensitive statement.. keep in mind that female tennis players have to do a whole lot more defending than the majority of male players have to do. most male players are servebots and don’t rely on their counterpunching/defensive capabilities," a fan stated.
Ben Shelton to face Roberto Bautista Agut in 2R at US Open; Coco Gauff up against Tatjana Maria
Ben Shelton and Coco Gauff were in top form in their first-round matches at the US Open. While Shelton got the better of former US Open champion Dominic Thiem, Coco Gauff, seeded third, ousted Varvara Gracheva in her opening-round contest 6-2, 6-0. Shelton will now face Roberto Bautista Agut in his second round, with Gauff up against Tatjana Maria.
Bautista Agut reached the second round at the US Open after a gritty performance against Luca Nardi, defeating the talented Italian 7-5, 7-6 (3), 7-6(5). He could be a tricky opponent for Shelton, who is defending 720 ranking points as he reached his maiden Grand Slam semifinal at Flushing Meadows last year.
Gauff has even more points, 2000 to be precise, to defend at the 2024 US Open after winning her maiden Grand Slam title at the tournament last year. Her second-round opponent, Tatjana Maria, is a WTA Tour veteran who eased past Argentine qualifier Solana Sierra 6-2, 6-3 in her first-round match.