Ben Shelton celebrates with Micah Parsons, $10.1B-worth Dallas Cowboys star, after Australian Open win over Lorenzo Musetti

American ATP star, Ben Shelton was joined by Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons to celebrate his 6-3, 3-6, 6-4, 7-6(5) triumph over Lorenzo Musetti in a nerve-wracking encounter.

Parsons was also joined by teammate Chauncey Golston, as they were spotted courtside at the John Caine Arena cheering for the players. He was also seen engaging in a relaxed conversation with Francis Tiafoe yesterday. The two football stars play for the Dallas Cowboys, an NFL franchise worth $10.1 billion (according to Forbes).

The Australian Open organisers also acknowleged the company of the NFL duo and took to Instagram to share:

Ben Shelton has been a big football aficionado since his childhood. He claimed that he only chose tennis because he saw a future in it, as well as his father being very actively involved in the sport. He once said in an interview in August 2022 (via ATP Tour):

“Obviously football is pretty hard on your body. I don’t know how much longer my mom wanted me to keep taking hits and obviously with my dad playing pro and being a collegiate coach, there was definitely a lot of upside to choosing a sport that he’s an expert in.”

The 22-year old reshared the Cowboys star's stories post on Instagram as they rejoiced his advancement to the fourth round of the 2025 Australian Open.

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Ben Shelton's heartening comment on 4R opponent Gael Monfils

Ben Shelton shakes hand with Gael Monfils - Source: Getty

The American ATP star praised the French tennis icon's form during his post-match press conference. He went on to say that he grew up watching Monfils play and that one of his most favourite tennis highlights tape was one that featured the Frenchman playing a diving overhead shot at Roland Garros.

When the interviewer jokingly asked Ben Shelton if he hopes to feature on one of these highlight reels with him in the next match, he said:

"No matter what when Gael is on court, that's gonna happen. Not looking to be a part of the Gael Monfils show and get wiped off the court, if that's what you're asking. But I think anytime he's on court it's a box office match and I'd like to think that I add to that a little bit. I know the fans are gonna love it."

The two are set to lock horns on Monday, January 20, 2025, as they face one another for the very first time on the Grand Slam stage.