Golden State Warriors’ Star Welcomes Ben Shelton With a Signature Twist to His Dwelling Turf for the Laver Cup Blockbuster

Ever heard of a spot the place champions play and historical past is made? That’s Chase Heart, the dazzling San Francisco dwelling of the Golden State Warriors. However this area isn’t nearly basketball; it’s a stage set for greatness of every kind. Mark your calendars: September 19-21, 2025. For the primary time ever, Chase Heart will welcome the world of tennis as ‘the town recognized for its iconic landmarks’ hosts its inaugural Laver Cup. Think about the joy: tennis stars like Ben Shelton and Alexander Zverev battling it out on the identical ground the place Stephen Curry and the seven-time NBA Champion Warriors have thrilled followers. The crossports bells are already ringing, to say the least!

“I feel it’ll be a fairly cool environment in San Francisco and we’re pumped and tremendous motivated to win again the Laver Cup!” Ben Shelton expressed his pleasure on Thursday, forward of his third Laver Cup look. The World No.13 will signify Crew World in opposition to Crew Europe within the occasion’s eighth version in September. He’s wanting to step on the court docket on the dwelling of an iconic NBA crew. And once you say Warriors, four-time NBA winner Stephen Curry‘s title pops up mechanically. Nicely, guess what? Curry has obtained a particular message for Shelton, in his signature type, forward of the Laver Cup. So what did he say?

On Thursday, it was confirmed that American teenager and 2025 Australian Open semifinalist Ben Shelton will be part of Crew World. Later, the official account of Chase Centre on Instagram dropped a video, welcoming Shelton on the dwelling of Warriors. The clip included a message from none aside from Stephen Curry.

Exhibiting his pleasure to see Shelton play at his crew’s venue, Curry stated, “Yo, what’s up Ben? Heard we’re going to see you at Chase Heart out within the bay for the Laver Cup. And you realize I solely obtained one factor to say about that.. ” Sharing an sudden gesture, Curry concluded his message by copying Shelton’s well-known ‘dialed-in’ celebration, which includes him mimicking the act of speaking on the telephone.

‘Dialed-in’ celebration? In 2023, Ben Shelton, 20, made an announcement with each his play and his post-match celebration after defeating Frances Tiafoe in an exciting quarterfinal at Arthur Ashe Stadium. His dramatic phone-slam, borrowed from the guy College of Florida athlete and world champion hurdler Grant Holloway, capped off a 6-2, 3-6, 7-6 (7), 6-2 victory within the first Grand Slam quarterfinal between two Black American males for the reason that Open period started.

After seeing Curry making an attempt his on-court celebration strikes, how may Shelton keep behind? “What’s up Steph? That’s proper. I’ll begin prepping my transfer for September,” stated Shelton whereas copying the NBA star’s iconic ‘night time night time’ celebration.

Coming again to Shelton, then he’s already being touted because the one to be careful for on the Laver Cup. Former tennis legend and Crew World’s captain Andre Agassi believes that the younger American would possibly play a vital function on his facet. How?

Crew World’s captain Andre Agassi showers praising phrases on Ben Shelton forward of Laver Cup

Final month, Ben Shelton turned the youngest American to achieve the Australian Open semis since Andy Roddick in 2003. He secured his spot within the final 4 after defeating Italy’s Lorenzo Sonego 6-4, 7-5, 4-6, 7-6(4). Sadly, Shelton didn’t stand an opportunity in opposition to his SF opponent, who was none aside from World No.1 Jannik Sinner. The latter did face a bit of turbulence within the first set the place Shelton pushed the combat right into a tie-break. Nonetheless, the Fox then sealed the match with a ultimate rating line of 7-6(2), 6-2, 6-2. Though he misplaced in opposition to Sinner, Shelton didn’t really feel dejected. Why?

“Clearly you’re enjoying the No. 1 participant on the earth, the possibilities and the home windows are at all times small. Generally you miss your window, and the man steps up his stage, begins making much more first serves, enjoying higher. The break probabilities don’t come as typically,” he stated in a press convention, as reported by ATP’s web site on January 24.

“I do know I’m shut. I do know my stage’s shut. I do know I’ve plenty of the stuff that I would like. I actually imagine in myself,” he added. After his stellar run down below, Shelton witnessed an enormous soar within the rankings. From twentieth spot, he made a leap to the 14th place. Presently, he has improved it by one spot, being No.13. Seeing his fast development, compatriot and tennis icon Andre Agassi thinks he’s obtained a brilliant future forward.

After it was confirmed that Ben will stay in his crew on the Laver Cup, Agassi stated that the occasion at all times “brings out the most effective in gamers – it’s excessive stakes, excessive depth and filled with drama,” reported the match’s web site on February 20.

Admiring Shelton, who was part of a victorious Crew World in 2023’s version, he stated, “Ben is an explosive expertise and thrives on this crew setting. He’s had a robust begin to the season, and I’m targeted on constructing a crew that might be able to tackle Europe in September!” What are your ideas on his prospects in 2025 version? Tell us within the feedback under.