Ben Shelton sparked attention at the 2025 Canadian Open not only for his hard-fought win but also for his reluctance to address a heated verbal exchange with Flavio Cobolli following their match. The American player confirmed they had spoken privately but refused to provide further details about the incident during the post-match press conference.

After defeating Cobolli in the fourth round in Toronto, Shelton was questioned about the contentious moment by reporters. He responded briefly, emphasizing that the matter had already been settled between them behind closed doors.

Yeah, we talked about it. He said it wasn’t towards me. We’re good. We talked about it in the locker room, so I’m not going to answer any more questions about that. There’s no story, we’re good, that’s it, so, thanks,

Shelton said to the media.

The disagreement reportedly took place after a tense tiebreak, during which Shelton accused Cobolli of making an offensive gesture. Despite appearing upset by Cobolli’s action, Shelton hinted at their underlying friendship during the argument, suggesting mutual respect despite the confrontation.

If you do say something, then I’m going to say something because we’re friends, no?

Shelton remarked during the exchange.

By keeping the details private, Shelton showed a clear intent to avoid further public controversy. No additional information was shared, and Cobolli has yet to offer an official response, while tournament officials declined to comment on the episode.

Intense Fourth-Round Battle Between Shelton and Cobolli in Toronto

The match between Ben Shelton and Flavio Cobolli at the 2025 National Bank Open in Toronto was marked by fierce competitiveness and momentum swings. Shelton took the opening set 6-4 by breaking Cobolli’s serve twice, displaying strong serving and baseline play.

Cobolli responded in the second set with increased aggression, securing it 6-4 by successfully converting three break points. This set the stage for a gripping final set where both players exchanged breaks.

With Cobolli serving for the match at 5-4, Shelton managed an impressive break to level the score and force a tiebreak. In the decisive breaker, Shelton asserted control to close the match 6-4, 4-6, 7-6(1) and move on to the quarterfinals.

Throughout the encounter, Shelton fired 12 aces and won 71% of his first serve points, while Cobolli delivered 8 aces with a 76% success rate on first serves. The overall points were tightly contested, with Shelton narrowly leading 108–105. Cobolli was able to save six of nine break points but was ultimately unable to maintain his advantage during the final stages.

Though the match featured moments of tension, including the post-match dispute, neither player faced official sanctions. Shelton will next face Alex de Minaur in the quarterfinal round.

Implications of the Shelton-Cobolli Incident and What Lies Ahead

The discreet handling of the post-match confrontation by Ben Shelton underscores a preference among players to resolve conflicts privately without involving the media. This approach helps preserve professional relationships and focus on upcoming challenges.

As Shelton advances to face Alex de Minaur, this incident adds an element of intrigue surrounding his demeanor and focus in high-pressure situations. How Shelton manages such tensions may impact his performance as he pursues deeper runs in the tournament.

Meanwhile, Flavio Cobolli’s silence leaves questions unresolved about the nature of the altercation. Observers will be watching closely to see if any further developments emerge or if this remains a closed chapter within the locker room.