Tennis often brings out the best in players during high-pressure matches, but the intensity can sometimes lead to heated moments between them.
Such was the case on Sunday during the fourth round of the Canadian Open, when American star Ben Shelton engaged in a prolonged verbal exchange with Italian player Flavio Cobolli.
Ben Shelton and Flavio Cobolli’s Tense Exchange Explained
The match was tightly contested, with both players giving their all in pursuit of a spot in the Masters 1000 quarterfinals. Shelton claimed the opening set 6-4, but Cobolli responded with an equally strong performance, neutralizing the American’s explosive game and drawing him into extended rallies to take the second set 6-4.
With both players battling fiercely, the outcome of the match was decided by a final-set tie-break. Shelton quickly took control, racing to a 6-1 lead before sealing the match with a commanding ace. Things, however, grew tense between the players as the match ended.
As Shelton approached the net for a handshake, he and Cobolli appeared to exchange words, reportedly over a gesture made by the Italian during the tie-break, which Shelton found inappropriate.
The exchange appeared to center more on the Italian explaining his actions to the American. He was heard saying:
“You deserve this win, but it’s not always for you.”
Ben Shelton and Flavio Cobolli had an exchange after the match in Toronto
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) August 4, 2025
The Italian stood by his explanation even as the World No. 7 sought further clarification. Their exchange didn’t end with the post-match handshake, as the discussion continued afterward. Cobolli later clarified that his emotions were running high after the tense match and insisted that his gesture was not directed at his opponent.
“I served for the three hour match, you can understand, if I do something with you. But it’s not always with you. You understand me? Because I didn’t want to fight with you,” he said.
“You deserved to win this match, I know. But you can understand if I do something after three hours of match,” he was heard saying.
Ben Shelton and Flavio Cobolli continued their tense exchange well after the match ended #NBO25 | @NBOtoronto pic.twitter.com/NlgVBm3OQ4
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) August 4, 2025
Things appeared to end on a positive note after Cobolli’s clarification, which Shelton seemed to accept. The two players shook hands and settled the matter.
MORE: Ben Shelton’s Father ‘Locked In’ on Girlfriend Trinity Rodman’s Soccer Comeback After Injury Rehab
Shelton Says He’s ‘Cool’ With Cobolli After Canadian Open Incident Cleared Up
During his post-match on-court interview, Shelton spoke about his exchange with the 23-year-old and said that the matter was resolved since the gesture wasn’t directed at him.
“He just made a gesture in the tiebreaker in asked him about it. He said it wasn’t towards me so we’re cool,” he said.
Ben Shelton on the exchange with Flavio Cobolli after their match in Toronto
“Can you walk us through that discussion?”
Ben: “He just made a gesture in the tiebreaker in asked him about it. He said it wasn’t towards me so we’re cool.” pic.twitter.com/F7DtsDNTvS
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) August 4, 2025
The American notched his 100th career win on Sunday by defeating Cobolli, denying the Italian his first-ever victory over a top-10 opponent. The result leveled their head-to-head at 2-2. Shelton now turns his focus to a quarterfinal clash against Australia’s Alex de Minaur.
