One of the most memorable and amusing moments of the 2025 French Open featured Ben Shelton proving that extraordinary talent can look very different.
You might be lying down on your stomach when you feel that way.
On Friday, May 30, during his third-round match at Roland Garros, Shelton amazed the crowd with a point that looked like something from a sports film instead of real life.
On Court Simonne-Mathieu, Shelton, ranked 13th, was meeting Matteo Gigante from Italy and leading 3-0 in the second set, when something puzzling took place.
The feud began with Gigante making a fairly harmless return. Shelton hit a hard forehand after moving to the back of the court.
He started to change positions just then, but his feet slipped and he fell headlong into the clay.
Rather than giving up, Shelton made everyone in the stadium excited: he crawled a little forward and reached out his left arm to hit the ball.
With very little stability, he somehow managed to get it past the net.
There was a loud gasp from the audience.
Still, the battle had not finished.
Superbly recovered, Shelton took off right away and made it in time to play Gigante’s next big forehand shot.
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He hit the ball backhand, making Gigante move quickly for a volley. Gigante almost got it, but the ball hit the net and rolled back to his side.
Point, Shelton. A big round of applause was given.
Even Gigante couldn’t help feeling happy at the unexpected performance. The two players came together at the net for a quick, friendly handshake which was especially uplifting in such a tense game.
After the game, reporters asked Shelton about what happened and he responded with both honesty and humor.
He joked that his lack of ability on clay courts was the reason he tripped. I would love to say I went for it, but I was on the floor before the ball got there.
The audience at the French Open was very impressed by her. People on social media soon acknowledged Shelton for his point, but also for being humble enough to laugh about it.
But there was more to the story.
Just when Shelton was about to talk to the media after his 6-3, 6-3, 6-4 victory, a surprise opponent buzzed in from the air.
“Sorry, I had a bee on me during the interview,” he said as he swatted the air and the audience laughed.
Not long after, the bee came back and Shelton got into a playful stance as if he was going to box it away.
No matter if he falls on the court or gets surprised by an insect, Ben Shelton knows how to entertain the crowd. The fun and showiness hide the fact that these players are very skilled.
Shelton’s career continues to grow in the field of tennis this year. Famous for his powerful serve, lively personality and natural athletic abilities, the young American has moved up the rankings fast.
In every match, he shows that he is one of the best and he also introduces new excitement to a conservative sport.
He showed that control, confidence and composure were just as important in his third-round play as the exciting moments.
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The entire match, he put consistent pressure on Gigante and won all sets without losing his focus.
Now, with people everywhere talking about him (pun intended), Shelton continues in the French Open with both speed and support from his fans.
Because of his powerful style and personality, he has often been compared to some of boxing’s most famous entertainers.
Unlike people who are seasoned by many years in the business, Shelton’s appeal seems real, unforced and natural.
Even if Shelton doesn’t win the title in Paris, he has already made this year’s event extremely memorable. We may never know what he’ll be able to do next.
Viewers will most likely watch, smile and even try to dodge some bees.