American tennis star Ben Shelton has surprised fans by revealing the close friendship he shares with fellow ATP player Frances Tiafoe, despite their intense on-court rivalry. The disclosure came as Shelton reflected on his recent victory over Tiafoe during the 2025 Mubadala Citi DC Open, capturing widespread attention in the tennis community.
Currently competing at the ATP Masters 1000 event, the National Bank Open in Toronto, Shelton demonstrated strong form by decisively defeating veteran Adrian Mannarino. During an interview with Prakash Amritraj on Tennis Channel, Shelton candidly discussed how his competitive relationship with Tiafoe is balanced by genuine camaraderie off the court.
Memories from Their Intense Quarterfinal Battle in Washington, D.C.
Shelton described their quarterfinal match at the Citi DC Open as charged with energy and high stakes for both players. Reflecting on the encounter, he said,
“It was dope… We both want it bad when we play each other,”
—Ben Shelton, ATP Player
This statement highlights the deep competitive spirit that fuels their matches, while also emphasizing the mutual respect they hold for one another during fierce battles.
Friendship Amid Competition
More unexpectedly, Shelton revealed that Frances Tiafoe is one of his closest friends on the ATP Tour. This insight challenges the typical narrative of rivals being purely opponents, showing a more complex dynamic where friendship and rivalry coexist in professional sports.
Before their singles matchup at the Citi DC Open, Shelton and Tiafoe also teamed up in the men’s doubles event, displaying strong teamwork and chemistry. Despite their united front, the American pair lost a tough match against Australian specialists John Peers and Matthew Ebden, adding a poignant layer to their shared journey.
The Ongoing Rivalry and Upcoming Matches
As both players continue to compete on the ATP Tour, the spotlight remains on how their unique blend of friendship and rivalry will influence their performances. While Tiafoe battles through the National Bank Open in Toronto, Shelton is preparing for a significant contest against fellow American Brandon Nakashima, setting the stage for more high-stakes encounters between rising American tennis talents.
Their relationship underscores the complex nature of professional tennis, where respect and rivalry often intertwine, motivating athletes to push their limits while maintaining deep personal connections off the court.