In a surprising turn of events, tennis stars Carlos Alcaraz and Ben Shelton were spotted enjoying an NBA game at the iconic Madison Square Garden on December 3, 2024. The two athletes, who have been dominating the tennis world, took a break from their rigorous schedules to catch the thrilling match between the New York Knicks and the Orlando Magic.
Carlos Alcaraz, the World No. 3 from Spain, has been a long-time fan of the NBA, particularly admiring the legendary Michael Jordan. Alcaraz, who had a demanding 2024 season, was seen relaxing and enjoying the game alongside his fellow tennis star. The Spaniard’s love for basketball was evident as he cheered passionately for the Knicks, showing his support for the home team.
Ben Shelton, the American tennis player ranked World No. 21, also shares a deep appreciation for basketball. Having reached the semifinals of the 2023 US Open, Shelton has a special connection to New York, making the game even more meaningful for him. Shelton was seen enjoying the game with Alcaraz, both of them immersed in the excitement of the match.
The Knicks managed to secure a victory over the Orlando Magic, adding to the excitement of the evening. The presence of Alcaraz and Shelton at the game added a unique touch, as fans of both tennis and basketball were thrilled to see their favorite athletes enjoying the sport.
This unexpected outing highlights the universal appeal of basketball and the camaraderie among athletes from different sports. It also serves as a reminder that even the busiest and most successful athletes need to take a break and enjoy the simple pleasures of life, like watching a good game.
As Alcaraz prepares for the Australian Open in 2025 and Shelton gears up for the ASB Classic in Auckland, their shared love for basketball will undoubtedly remain a cherished memory. Who knows, maybe we’ll see more tennis stars at NBA games in the future!
Carlos Alcaraz in 2024
Currently ranked no.3, Carlos played his last match on the 19th of November when he overcame world no.40 Tallon Griekspoor 7-6(0) 6-3 in the Rubber 2 of the Davis Cup (draw).
This season the Spaniard owns a composed 54-13 match record. The Spaniard conquered 4 titles in 2024 in Indian Wells, French Open, Wimbledon and Beijing. The Spaniard was the runner-up in Paris.
Ben Shelton in 2024
Ranked no.21, Shelton played his last match on the 21st of November when he capitulated to world no.77 Thanasi Kokkinakis 6-1 4-6 7-6(14) in the Rubber 1 of the Davis Cup (draw).
Currently, during this year Ben achieved a composed 42-26 record. This year, Ben won 1 tournament in Houston. Shelton was the runner-up in Basel.
Carlos Alcaraz and Ben Shelton played each other only twice. Their current head to head is 2-0 for Alcaraz.