Shelton responds to criticism over his celebration in Munich

Shelton Celebration

Ben Shelton, the rising American tennis star, faced backlash after his celebration at the BMW Open in Munich. Following a hard-fought victory against Borna Gojo, Shelton mimicked a signature move inspired by Bayern Munich footballer Michael Olise. While the celebration was meant to pay homage to the player, it sparked mixed reactions online.

Some fans criticized Shelton’s display, calling it “cringe” and suggesting he should focus on humility. Others questioned the appropriateness of such a celebration after narrowly defeating a lower-ranked opponent. Shelton, however, was quick to defend his actions, explaining that the gesture was a nod to his admiration for Olise and his experience attending a Bayern Munich match.

Shelton’s response highlighted his individuality and passion for expressing himself on the court. Despite the negative comments, he remains focused on his performance and upcoming matches. The incident underscores the challenges athletes face in balancing personal expression with public perception, especially in the age of social media scrutiny.

As Shelton continues his journey in professional tennis, fans and critics alike will be watching closely to see how he navigates the pressures of fame and competition.

Ben Shelton in 2025

Ben Shelton

49 - 27win/loss

Hard
27-12
I Hard
5-6
Clay
9-5
Grass
8-4
23 year old
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2025 Highlights

Currently ranked no.15, Ben played his last match on the 14th of April when he beat world no.410 Borna Gojo 4-6 7-6(6) 7-6(3) in the 1st round in Munich (draw).

Until now, during this year Ben owns a compiled 11-7 win-loss record. Ben Shelton’s best performance of the present season was reaching the semifinal at the Australian Open.

Shelton
Munich
Shelton's Record