“Shelton = 1 hit wonder” – Ben Shelton gets heavily mocked after his first-round defeat in Paris Masters as potential Novak Djokovic clash gets ruled out

US Open semi-finalist Ben Shelton bashed online on Twitter following his first-round match against Alejandro Davidovich Fokina.

“Shelton = 1 hit wonder” – Ben Shelton gets heavily mocked after his first-round defeat in Paris Masters as potential Novak Djokovic clash gets ruled out

Novak Djokovic (L) and Ben Shelton (R) (Credits: Sky Sports and Racquet Magazine)

Following his first-round exit at the Paris Masters, Ben Shelton was slammed online by tennis audiences. Users took to X (formerly called Twitter) to mock the young American after his loss at the hands of Alejandro Davidovich Fokina. 

Ben Shelton was truly turning heads at the US Open when he made it to the semi-finals. He had to defeat the likes of former champion Dominic Thiem and fourteenth-seeded Tommy Paul. 

These victories led to his quarter-final match against tenth-seeded compatriot Frances Tiafoe, whom he defeated in four sets. This put him in a semi-final against Novak Djokovic, who would go on to win the title and his 24th Grand Slam trophy. However, the 21-year-old American sparked controversy when he ‘hung up’ on Frances Tiafoe after his win.

Shelton was one of the players expected to face Novak Djokovic on his way to the finals. He was expected to deliver a rematch of the US Open semi-finals in Paris. However, these hopes were crushed when the US Open semi-finalist lost to Davidovich Fokina in the first round in three grueling sets. 

This exit by the American was met with intense mocking by the tennis crowd on Twitter. “Shelton = 1 hit wonder,” said a particular user who was sure that Shelton’s US Open success was merely beginner’s luck.

Another user was sure that it was not yet Shelton’s time to shine. 

Ben Shelton just isn't ready for prime time, not yet anyway.

While the young American is still new to the tour, he has made quite a few accomplishments. However, these achievements put him in the public eye, always up for scrutiny.

Sharing a wide spectrum of reactions online, here’s what fans have to say:

Ben Shelton knocked out of the Paris Masters

American Ben Shelton was knocked out of the 2023 Paris Masters in the first round by Alejandro Davidovich Fokina. While his performance at the tournament was highly anticipated, he ducked out early after a three-set thriller.

Ben Shelton
Ben Shelton(Image via Good Morning America)

With a score of 7-6, 5-7, and 6-3, the American put up quite a fight. However, Davidovich Fokina proved that it was his day in Paris by outplaying his opponent. He will be facing Talon Griekspoor in the second round of the Masters 1000 event.

Ben Shelton was expected to play Novak Djokovic once again. However, his rematch with the Serb had to be rescheduled for another day, for it was the Spaniard who was victorious. Nevertheless, it was an amazing show of talent for both parties.

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