Ben Shelton's Doubles Controversy Sparks Debate on Tennis Etiquette

Ben Shelton has stirred controversy during the Monte Carlo Masters after a heated doubles match where he hit Italian player Andrea Vavassori with a forehand, leading to Vavassori's rib injury and subsequent withdrawal from the Barcelona Open. Vavassori criticized Shelton's aggressive playing style, claiming he was struck intentionally, to which Shelton dismissively responded that tennis is not as soft as Vavassori suggested. The incident garnered attention as Shelton, paired with Rohan Bopanna, won the match against Vavassori and Simone Bolelli, and Shelton expressed his competitive spirit with a 'Vamos!' after the victory. The drama highlights ongoing discussions about sportsmanship in tennis, with some players questioning the line between aggressive strategy and etiquette. Following the match, Vavassori's injury became a focal point, further fueling the narrative around the incident. This episode has prompted broader conversations about the physicality of doubles play and player conduct on the court.