Ben Shelton's Surprising Take on Why Everyone Loves Coco Gauff

Ben Shelton offered a surprisingly funny reason for Coco Gauff's popularity.

Aug 26, 2024; Flushing, NY, USA; Ben Shelton of the USA warms up against Dominic Thiem of Austria on day one of the 2024 U.S. Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports / Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

Ben Shelton shined on the first day of the US Open. He defeated Dominic Thiem in straight sets: 6-4, 6-2, 6-2. Then, he made sure the crowd gave Thiem a standing ovation after the match.

After all that, Shelton battled silly questions from the press. Topics were wide-ranging, but one caught momentum with tennis fans on social media.

A member of the US Open press asked Shelton why so many fans loved Coco Gauff. Shelton explained, "First of all, her name is Coco. It's something that sticks in your mind, right? Shout out to Corey and Candi Gauff because I think the name is half of it. It's a name you remember."

Ben Shelton was asked why he thinks people love Coco Gauff so much, ‘You see something from her that’s special & different’

“I would like to know your opinion as a young American player.. why do people love Coco Gauff so much? Is it personality, game, or a mix?

Ben: “First of… pic.twitter.com/geSOgraX3I

— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) August 26, 2024

Shelton continued, "She's' charismatic. Such a great athlete. Has so many qualities out there that resemble a male player. The way she moves and the way she can defend. You see something from her that's special and different. She plays with a lot of passion. You can tell she cares out there. She's into it every time she's out on court. I think that's something people love."

Gauff was later asked about the exchange and let it be known the two American tennis players give each other a rough time over their names. Gauff said, "Maybe because I make fun of him because his real name is Benjamin. Ben Shelton is a pretty solid athlete name."

Coco Gauff on where the name ‘Coco’ comes from

“It was mentioned earlier that Ben was asked why is Coco Gauff so appealing? I kind of thought he'd say, oh, she's so charismatic or she's this great athlete, but he started out, oh, she's named Coco, what a great name. Kudos to her… pic.twitter.com/Hfer7qrl8s

— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) August 26, 2024

Gauff went on to offer a lengthy explanation behind the origin of her name (Coco is just a nickname). Gauff will face Tatjana Maria in the second round on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Shelton will face Roberto Bautista Agut on Wednesday.

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