In the world of professional tennis, every move a player makes can be scrutinized under the spotlight of fame. Whether it’s a heated on-court exchange or a casual dinner out, the ever-watchful eyes of fans and media can quickly spin stories—some of them wildly inaccurate. This week, Ben Shelton found himself at the center of one such whirlwind, and he’s finally setting the record straight.
The 21-year-old rising tennis star made headlines after being spotted enjoying an evening out with fellow American tennis sensations Coco Gauff and Chris Eubanks. Photos of the trio laughing and chatting over dinner in Miami quickly surfaced online, with some fans jumping to conclusions about a possible romantic link between Shelton and Gauff. The hashtag #CocoBen began trending on social media, with speculation ranging from lighthearted banter to outright declarations of a new “power couple” in tennis.
However, Shelton wasted no time addressing the rumors in a candid and humorous post on his Instagram stories. “Let me just say this once,” he began, “Chris Eubanks is the only love triangle I’m involved in.” His tongue-in-cheek comment was accompanied by a group selfie from the night in question, showing all three athletes in high spirits.
A Night Out Among Friends
For those unfamiliar with the dynamics of these young stars, Shelton, Gauff, and Eubanks have long been known to share a close friendship. Their camaraderie isn’t just limited to off-court fun; they’ve often supported each other during matches, cheering each other on from the stands or through social media shoutouts.
“We’re like family,” Shelton explained in a recent interview. “Coco and Chris are two of the most genuine people I know. We push each other to be better, and we’re there to celebrate the wins and laugh off the losses. That’s what that dinner was about—just enjoying some downtime together after a crazy season.”
The dinner, according to Shelton, was a spur-of-the-moment decision. After all three wrapped up various commitments in Miami, they decided to meet up at a popular waterfront restaurant. It was a chance to unwind, reflect on their respective seasons, and simply enjoy each other’s company without the pressures of competition.
The Perils of Fame and Social Media
Despite the innocent nature of their outing, the internet wasted no time weaving its narrative.
“Romance rumors are part of the package when you’re in the spotlight,” Shelton admitted. “It’s all in good fun until people start taking it too seriously.” He pointed out that the intense scrutiny can sometimes overshadow the hard work and dedication that go into their careers. “At the end of the day, we’re just people who happen to be good at hitting a tennis ball. We’re not characters in a soap opera.”
Gauff, too, has addressed the rumors, albeit in a more subtle way. The 19-year-old tennis prodigy posted a video on TikTok featuring clips from the night out, set to the song “We Are Family.” In the caption, she wrote, “Squad goals: good food, great friends, and zero drama.” Fans flooded the comments with messages of support, praising the trio for their down-to-earth nature and close-knit bond.
Focus on the Court
While the “CocoBen” hashtag might be trending, Shelton and Gauff are laser-focused on their careers. Both have had breakthrough seasons in 2024, with Gauff capturing her first Grand Slam title at the US Open and Shelton reaching his first ATP Masters 1000 final. The duo’s success has been a beacon of hope for American tennis, inspiring a new generation of fans and players.
“This has been a year of growth for all of us,” Shelton said. “And having friends like Coco and Chris by my side makes it even more special. We’re each chasing our dreams, and it’s amazing to share that journey with people who understand exactly what you’re going through.”
Chris Eubanks, the third member of their celebrated trio, has also weighed in on the rumors, albeit with his signature humor. “Listen,” he tweeted, “if there’s any romance here, it’s between me and the dessert menu. That chocolate lava cake changed my life.”
Lessons in Friendship and Perspective
Shelton’s response to the “romance rumors” highlights a larger issue that many young athletes face: the constant pressure to navigate public perception. For Shelton, Gauff, and Eubanks, their night out wasn’t about fueling gossip; it was about celebrating their shared journey, friendships, and mutual respect.
“We’re grateful for the support of our fans,” Shelton concluded. “But let’s keep the focus where it belongs—on the court, where the real magic happens.”
As the tennis season winds down, one thing is certain: Shelton, Gauff, and Eubanks are more focused than ever on their goals. And while the internet might love a juicy romance story, these three are proving that sometimes, friendship is the real headline.
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