From Tiafoe to Taylor, the American’s enthusiastic embrace of his teammates is bringing success to Team World
At the Gala Opening of the Laver Cup, the players walk the signature black carpet in front of the world’s media dressed in formal black tie. For some, it could easily be a nerve-wracking running of the gauntlet. But not if you’re Team World’s Ben Shelton.
A shared inside joke with teammate Frances Tiafoe was enough to send the pair into fits of giggles as they met Tennis Channel at the glitzy event. Had it not been for the tuxedos, it would have been easy to imagine we were watching two college friends messing around at the end of class.
College is proving a great inspiration for the 21-year-old in Berlin, with his unique experience playing doubles there helping Team World level the Laver Cup score at the end of Day 1.
“I think I got really used to playing doubles in pressure situations. That’s probably the only difference between me and a lot of the guys out here, because I played college tennis. Doubles play is pretty huge,” he explained.
“Obviously it’s a much bigger stage out here, but I got used to caring a lot about the doubles and really focusing on it being an intense atmosphere.
“It’s a lot of fun for me. Pro tennis is a lot different from college tennis. Usually everything is on your own shoulders, so it’s nice to be able to rely on your teammates sometimes.”
Which brings Shelton’s second bromance into the spotlight:
“Taylor Fritz. You know, that guy is solid as a rock. Crazy.”
The on-court chemistry between Shelton and Fritz was clear during their 7-6, 6-4 win over Team Europe’s Carlos Alcaraz and Alexander Zverev, even if Shelton was happy to point out the five-year age gap between the two.
“Taylor is a Laver Cup veteran, or a vet in general, so I’m not too worried about him being prepared for anything out there,” he said after the win.
“But I’m not calling you old….”
Fritz smiled in response: “Vet, I don’t know. I’m not that old!”
The two haven’t ruled out teaming up again for the USA in the Davis Cup, so the Laver Cup could be just the first chapter of this story.
Shelton’s doubles dynamic came into play again on Saturday night, this time alongside Alejandro Tabilo. Different partner, but same outcome – a thumping 6-1, 6-2 win for Team World against Team Europe’s Casper Ruud and Stefanos Tsitsipas.
And who was the first teammate off the sidelines to congratulate Shelton? That man Tiafoe, of course.
