American teen sensation Ben Shelton has been on a roll of late. He stormed into the semifinals of the now-concluded US Open, winning hearts with his charming smile en route. His compatriot, Coco Gauff has been on a similar journey, although hers ended by lifting the silverware at the Flushing Meadows. The two have forged a close friendship and it seems that something might be brewing between them.
This new generation of players can make friends easily, breaking the invisible wall between the WTA and ATP. Shelton and Gauff are just one example out of many.
Since his remarkable run at the US Open, Shelton appeared in the latest issue of GQ Hype. Ben shared a few photos from his photoshoot on Instagram and in one of them, he wears a ribbed pink polo.
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Shelton has donned a lot of pink in his recent appearances. “Better not see no Barbie comments,” he joked when introducing his look for the US Open. Of course, the new photos in pink were the perfect opportunity for Gauff to pull Ben’s leg, and she sure did! “Sureeee wearing a lot of pink lately for someone who refuses to watch Barbie,” wrote Gauff.
Coco’s comment 😂 pic.twitter.com/UXZYfERaSx
— Andrew (@harrypotter1994) September 14, 2023
The two friends have engaged in hilarious banter like this quite often. Hence it is not surprising to see fans thinking that the two are allegedly dating. The social media site X is rife with fans wondering if Gauff and Shelton are a couple. Here are a few reactions.
Just noticed this post from Ben Shelton right after Coco Gauff mentioned having a boyfriend 🤣 pic.twitter.com/iMUjyhezjr
— Tennis World (@TennisWrld) September 10, 2023
Y’all tryna tell me that Coco Gauff and Ben Shelton are DATING?! pic.twitter.com/JWjM16vp1D
— issa rae’s favorite interviewer. (@TheGreatIsNate) September 10, 2023
same energy ☎️ 🔒 @usopen @CocoGauff @BenShelton #USOpen2023 #USOpen pic.twitter.com/ohWE1BiNkO
— Jenn is going to see Tay AGAIN in LIVERPOOL 🇬🇧✨! (@MammaSwiftie) September 6, 2023
Despite how their friendship might come across to others, Ben Shelton is actually dating Anna Hall. He has been quite open about his relationship with her. Coco, on the other hand, does have a boyfriend, whose identity is not yet known.
Ben Shelton opens up about his friendship with Coco Gauff
The two teens have forged a one-of-a-kind friendship on the tennis courts. Shelton opened up in his interview with GQ, speaking of his experiences as this is his first proper year of touring.
Shelton also fondly spoke to Gauff, and how much she has helped him, given his inexperience. “Coco is a little sister to me! She’s definitely one of the ones I’m talking about,” said Ben (via GQ).
Both Coco Gauff and Ben Shelton have very bright futures ahead of them. Gauff just stamped her authority by winning her maiden Grand Slam on home soil- the US Open. She has paved the path for Shelton, proving that one can find success even at an early age.