Ben Shelton issues ‘challenge’ to fellow rising star Arthur Fils

Shahida Jacobs 22 Oct 2023 1:24 PM

Ben Shelton (USA) during a match

Ben Shelton and Arthur Fils appear to be developing a bromance on the ATP Tour as the former has issued his French rival a friendly “challenge” following his maiden title win at the Japan Open.

Just a few weeks after they found themselves on opposite teams at the Laver Cup and enjoyed some light-hearted banter, Shelton and Fils are making big career moves on the ATP Tour.

The two youngsters squared off in the singles of the Laver Cup in September and it was Shelton who emerged victorious as he won in straight sets to set Team World on their way to their second title.

And he has carried his good form over to the Tour as he won his maiden singles title on Sunday, defeating Aslan Karatsev 7-5, 6-1 in the ATP 500 event in Tokyo.

The 20-year-old’s magical week in the Land of the Rising Sun will see him move to a career-high No 15 in the ATP Rankings next week while it also gave his hopes of qualifying for the ATP Finals a major boost.

After wrapping up the match, Shelton wrote the following message on the camera lens: “Show me something Arthur.”

Ben Shelton issues challenge to Arthur Fils

Ben Shelton with a challenge to fellow rising star Arthur Fils

It was in response to Fils copying him following their respective semi-final victories on Saturday.

Following his three-set win over Marcos Giron, Shelton wrote “humble and hungry” on the camera and a few hours later Fils wrote the same message after his brilliant victory over top seed Stefanos Tsitsipas in the last four of the European Open.

Fils will hope to copy Shelton on the court on Sunday as well when he takes on third seed Alexander Bublik in the final in Antwerp.

Ben and Arthur wrote the same thing 😂✍️ pic.twitter.com/5S1I96RmAR

— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) October 21, 2023

The 19-year-old has already won one title this year as he lifted the Lyon Open in May and now he is within touching distance of a second title before he turns 20.

Fils is currently at a career-best No 38 in the ATP Rankings and he could move up to No 34 if he defeats Bublik.

Shelton and Fils won’t be able to celebrate for too long as they will be in action again this coming week with both being handed nightmare draws at the Vienna Open.

Fils is scheduled to face top seed Daniil Medvedev in the second round on Tuesday while Shelton will take on second seed Jannik Sinner.