“I’m close friends with Coco Gauff” – Ben Shelton shares his thoughts on state of American tennis at Australian Open

Ben Shelton recently opened up about his thoughts on the current state of American tennis while addressing rumors surrounding his close friendship with fellow tennis star Coco Gauff. Speaking at the Australian Open, Shelton, who has been one of the rising stars in American tennis, shared his optimism about the future of the sport in the United States.

“We’re in a great place right now,” Shelton said when asked about the growing pool of American talent in tennis. “There are a lot of young players, both on the men’s and women’s side, doing great things. Coco Gauff is a perfect example of that. We’ve become close friends, and it’s been incredible to see her rise and the impact she’s had on the game.”

He went on to express his pride in being part of a new generation of American players who are making their mark on the global stage, adding, “There’s a lot of camaraderie between us, and I think that helps push us forward. Whether it’s Coco, Taylor [Fritz], or Frances [Tiafoe], we all want to see each other succeed, and I think that’s a good thing for American tennis.”

Shelton also praised Gauff’s work ethic and drive, emphasizing that her dedication is inspiring to those around her. “She’s focused, and it’s not surprising to see her where she is. She’s setting an example for a lot of players, including myself.”

Shelton’s comments came amid swirling rumors about a potential romantic connection between him and Gauff, which both players have playfully sidestepped. Instead, Shelton focused on the strong bond and mutual respect they share as friends and competitors, reiterating that their goal is to continue elevating American tennis to new heights.