Coco Gauff fuels romance rumours as she steps out with tennis heartthrob Ben Shelton at the Australian Open

Coco Gauff has sparked fresh romance rumors after stepping out for a late-night ice cream run with tennis heartthrob Ben Shelton at the Australian Open. The two American stars were spotted laughing and enjoying each other’s company ahead of their first-round matches in Melbourne. Their casual outing has only fueled ongoing speculation about their relationship, which has been a topic of interest since last year.

Gauff, the world No.3, sported a fashionable yet relaxed look with blue jeans and a pink cut-off top, while Shelton, the No.21 seed, wore a black hoodie and later revealed a Philadelphia 76ers NBA T-shirt. The pair, who have been seen together frequently, first ignited rumors of a romance after their doubles partnership at the 2024 US Open, where a viral moment occurred when Shelton accidentally left Gauff hanging after a high-five.

Their growing connection was also evident in their shared social media moments, including a fun escape room challenge in March last year. Fans have continued to speculate that their bond goes beyond friendship, particularly given their complementary personalities and mutual respect on and off the court.

Gauff has always spoken highly of Shelton, acknowledging the important role their friendship plays in her life. She revealed that they often lean on each other to take breaks from the intensity of the tour. Shelton, too, has praised Gauff’s passion and charisma, describing her as a unique talent who stands out for her emotional commitment to the game.

As Gauff gears up for her Australian Open campaign, where she is considered a strong contender to challenge Aryna Sabalenka’s reign, fans will undoubtedly keep an eye on the dynamic between her and Shelton, eagerly awaiting any further hints about their relationship.