"Tried to spin something innocent into negative" - Fans angry at Ben Shelton's comments on Tiafoe being misinterpreted by reporter after US Open loss

Recently, a reporter misinterpreted one of Ben Shelton's remarks about compatriot Frances Tiafoe at the former's press conference after their thrilling third-round clash at the ongoing 2024 US Open. Several fans were incensed by the misinterpretation of Shelton's words, as they perceived it as an attempt to create some sort of friction between the ATP stars.

Shelton and Tiafoe produced a five-set epic (4-6, 7-5, 6-7(5), 6-4, 6-3) on Friday in Arthur Ashe Stadium, with the latter eventually coming up trumps in the deciding set. Tiafoe brilliantly neutralized Shelton's booming serve and often came to the net to effectively finish points early. The win helped the 2022 US Open semifinalist avenge his quarterfinal loss to the youngster last year.

In his post-match press conference, Shelton was asked about his long exchange with Tiafoe at the net following the match. The 21-year-old said that he had expressed his excitement for the rest of Tiafoe's US Open campaign. He used the phrase "a guy like him (Tiafoe)" as he was voicing his thoughts.

"I thought he played lights-out today. That was one of the things you've got to be happy for a guy and congratulate, especially a guy like him when he's playing the way he's playing. I think that it's important to show it sometimes that, you know, you can be happy for a guy when they beat you," Shelton said.

The reporter later fielded a follow-up question to the World No. 13, asking what he meant by the phrase. He stated that he had not meant anything negative but instead, used it to describe Tiafoe's positivity.

"No, just a guy like that, how good of a guy he is, always smiling, not really ever a negative look on his face. One of those guys that's fun to be around in the locker room. You know, he's always cracking jokes. Even I beat him in the final of Houston, he's giving me shout outs in his post-match speech, just like a good guy. I didn't mean anything negative by it," Shelton added.

Fans were angry at the way the reporter asked the follow-up question, suggesting that it was an attempt to stir controversy.

"Salute to both guys and that reporter needs to go. tried to spin something innocent into a negative," a fan wrote.

"Who is this reporter? Find out and fire them," commented another fan.

"What a POS “journalist”, trying to make something out of Shelton saying “a guy like that”," another chimed in.

Some fans also lauded Shelton for his mature response to the reporter seemingly misinterpreting his words.

"Ben’s starting to grow on me a little bit. Love his game. Starting to come around to the personality. That was a class presser. Now as for the vibes from that reporter… kinda weird," wrote one fan.

"Class Act and great for tennis and the world!" another fan commented.

"Ben Shelton is such a nice guy. Shame on Djokovic for bullying him and saying he’s not fair play. What a prick he was for that," yet another fan weighed in, revisiting Novak Djokovic mocking Shelton by imitating his celebration after winning the pair's 2023 US Open semifinal clash.

Despite Ben Shelton's meteoric rise on the ATP Tour, he has fared worse at Majors this year than he did in 2023

Ben Shelton (Source: Getty)

Shelton has firmly established himself as an ATP top 15 player this season, having broken into the top 20 following his run to the US Open semifinals last year. The 21-year-old also won his second ATP Tour-level title this year at the US Men's Clay Court Championships in Houston after defeating Tiafoe in the final.

However, despite his undeniable prowess and progress, Shelton's best finish at a Grand Slam this season came at the Wimbledon Championships, where he reached the fourth round before losing to World No. 1 Jannik Sinner.

At both the Australian Open and the French Open, the 21-year-old registered third-round finishes, losing to Adrian Mannarino and Felix Auger-Aliassime respectively.