In the electrifying atmosphere of the 2025 Monte Carlo Masters, American tennis star Ben Shelton found himself at the center of a heated controversy during a doubles match that has sparked widespread debate. Partnered with doubles veteran Rohan Bopanna, the 22-year-old world No. 15 faced off against the third-seeded Italian duo of Andrea Vavassori and Simone Bolelli in a thrilling round-of-16 clash. What began as a competitive encounter escalated into a post-match confrontation when Vavassori accused Shelton of deliberately targeting him with a forehand volley that struck him in the chest. Shelton’s unapologetic response—calling Vavassori “so soft”—ignited a firestorm, but the young American has since defended his actions, insisting that such plays are par for the course in doubles tennis.
The match itself was a rollercoaster. Shelton and Bopanna, trailing 2-6, 1-4, staged a remarkable comeback, forcing a second-set tiebreaker and ultimately clinching a 2-6, 7-6(4), 10-7 victory in a tense 10-point match tiebreak. Early in the second game, Shelton’s forehand drive volley caught Vavassori, positioned at the net, off-guard after the Italian hit a floaty volley. Though Shelton raised his hand in apology, Vavassori’s frustration simmered until the handshake, where he confronted the American. Shelton, unfazed, lifted his shirt to reveal a bruise from a similar shot he’d taken from Bolelli later in the match, retorting, “It’s tennis, bro, it’s not baseball. So soft, so soft, Vamos!” His words, punctuated by a celebratory shout to the crowd, underscored his belief that targeting an opponent’s body is a legitimate doubles tactic.
The fallout was swift. Vavassori, a doubles specialist with three Grand Slam finals in the last five years, withdrew from the Barcelona Open doubles event, citing a rib injury sustained from Shelton’s shot. “Sadly I have to withdraw from Barcelona next week due to a rib injury happened at the beginning of yesterday’s match,” Vavassori announced, revealing that medical exams showed a minor infraction requiring rest. The news fueled criticism of Shelton, with some questioning whether his aggressive play crossed an ethical line. However, Shelton doubled down in an interview with Tennis Channel after advancing in singles at the Bavarian International in Munich. “For me, it was a normal tennis play. My shot was going in. I feel like getting hit is a normal part of doubles, and a few games later, his partner hit me 100 miles an hour in the middle of the chest,” he said, emphasizing that he saw no issue with his actions. “I was kind of surprised that, after being [hit in] the second game, and we played a whole match, he said that I was in the wrong at the handshake.”
Shelton’s stance reflects his deep respect for doubles, a discipline he’s embraced more than most top singles players. In 2025 alone, he’s competed in five doubles tournaments, often partnering with specialists like Bopanna, Horacio Zeballos, and Rinky Hijikata. “Everybody on tour who knows me knows that I support the doubles guys more than anyone,” he told Tennis Channel, highlighting his camaraderie with the doubles community. His commitment was evident in Monte Carlo, where he and Bopanna reached the quarterfinals before falling, and in Munich, where they upset Jamie Murray and Rajeev Ram in the first round. Despite a second-round doubles loss in Munich, Shelton’s singles campaign saw him reach the quarterfinals, showcasing his versatility on clay.
The incident has reignited discussions about doubles etiquette. Hitting an opponent at the net is a fundamental strategy to exploit the limited reaction time, especially when the net player’s partner is at the baseline. Yet, Vavassori’s reaction suggests a fine line between tactics and sportsmanship, particularly when a shot results in injury. Shelton’s fiery personality, often compared to his animated celebrations that irked Novak Djokovic at the 2023 US Open, adds fuel to the debate. His “Vamos” shouts and exuberant demeanor have made him a polarizing figure, yet his talent is undeniable. With two ATP singles titles, including the 2024 Houston clay event, and semifinals at the 2023 US Open and 2025 Australian Open, Shelton is a rising star.
As Shelton prepares for the Madrid Open, the tennis world buzzes with opinions. Posts on X reflect divided sentiments, with some fans praising his competitive edge and others decrying his lack of remorse. For Shelton, the controversy is a distraction he’s determined to brush off. “I’m going to keep doing me, and I know I didn’t do anything wrong,” he asserted, signaling his intent to stay true to his style. Whether viewed as a brash upstart or a passionate competitor, Shelton’s Monte Carlo moment has cemented his reputation as a player who thrives in the spotlight, ready to take on rivals—and critics—with equal intensity.