10 minutes ago: in an emotional moment after his victory in Madrid Open, American tennis player Ben Shelton not only celebrated his triumph, but also showed a great sports gesture by comforting his rival, the Argentine Mariano Navone. Shelton, who won 4-6, 7-6 (5) and 6-3 in a vibrant match that exploded the stands, dedicated a few moving words to the young 24-year-old tennis player.
“I’m sorry, you’re amazing,” were the four words that Shelton shared with Navone at the end of the match, according to witnesses in the Magic Box. These words, full of respect and admiration, led Navone to break into tears, visibly excited for the recognition of their opponent. The public, who had adopted the Argentine as one of his own, also moved with the scene, exploding in applause for both players.
Shelton, number 13 of the ATP ranking, did not stop there. In the interview after the game, the 22 -year -old American praised Navone’s talent and its potential in the circuit. “Mariano is a very promising tennis player, he has a brilliant future ahead. I know how hard he works and how much this sport loves. I can only tell him to keep going, he does not give up, because he has everything to get far away,” said Shelton, who also called on the fans: “Please, continue supporting him and also me. We both want to give the best and make this sport even bigger.”
Navone, on the other hand, thanked the gesture of his rival despite the defeat. “It is an honor to play against Ben and listen to his words. It motivates me to continue improving,” said the Argentine, who despite the elimination showed a great level in Madrid, especially in clay, its favorite surface. This meeting marked the third confrontation between them, with Shelton maintaining a 3-0 record against Navone, including previous victories in Tokyo 2024 and Indian Wells 2025.
The game was a true tennis show, with Navone winning the first 6-4 and Shelton setting in an exciting second set that was defined in the Trebreak. In the third set, the American showed his hierarchy and closed the match, advancing to the next round where he will face Jakub Mensik. However, beyond the result, what will remain in the memory of fans is mutual respect and camaraderie between these two world tennis talents.
