"Jannik Sinner is his daddy?";"Novak Djokovic has fathered so many players" - Fans amused by Ben Shelton's cheeky remark after Australian Open 3R win

Tennis fans were amused by Ben Shelton's witty remark during the 2025 Australian Open. Shelton made the comment following his victory in the third round of the tournament.

Shelton kicked off his 2025 season at the ASB Classic, where he was defeated by Jakub Mensik in the second round. The 22-year-old is seeded 21st at the Melbourne Major and began his campaign by defeating Brandon Nakashima 7-6(3), 7-5, 7-5 in the first round.

He then triumphed 6-3, 6-3, 6-7(4), 6-4 over Pablo Carreno Busta before defeating 16th seed Lorenzo Musetti 6-3, 3-6, 6-4, 7-6(5) to secure his spot in the fourth round of the Australian Open for the second time in his career. It was also the American's first win over Musetti after losing their first two encounters.

Ben Shelton called the Italian as one of the most "talented" players on the tour in his post-match on-court interview. He also mentioned that his motivation to win was fueled by not wanting Musetti to have a third consecutive win over him as the player who has three wins over a player is called their "daddy."

"He's definitely one of the most talented guys on the tour, one of the top 3 shotmakers on the tour, and he does some things you can't believe when you are on the court. I was 0-2 against him coming into today. We say on tour if someone beats you three times in a row… they’re your daddy. So I was fighting to not let that happen," Shelton said.

Tennis fans found Ben Shelton's comment amusing and took to social media to share their delight and opinions on the same

One fan humorously suggested that if Shelton's theory was correct, then Jannik Sinner would be his "daddy" as the World No.1 had defeated him three times in a row on the ATP Tour.

“That means [Jannik] Sinner is his daddy?" a fan posted.

Another fan jokingly pointed out that if having three consecutive wins over a player made them their "daddy," then Novak Djokovic must have "fathered" numerous other players in the tennis world.

“Novak [Djokovic] has fathered so many players omg 😱 ," a fan wrote.

“So [Taylor] Fritz is [Alexander] Zverev’s dad 😭 😭 😂 ," a fan posted.

“Fairs but he has set himself up for forever here im afraid," a fan wrote.

Here are some other fan reactions :

“Wow lmaoo that’s not something u should be saying haha," a fan posted.

“Ain’t no way he said that bro 😭 ," a fan wrote.

“So Carlos [Alcaraz] is [Jannik] Sinner’s daddy. Iga [Swiatek] is definitely Coco’s [Gauff] mummy," a fan posted.

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Ben Shelton will face Gael Monfils in the 4R of the 2025 Australian Open

Ben Shelton at the 2025 Australian Open [Image Source: Getty]

Ben Shelton will go head-to-head with Gael Monfils in the fourth round of the 2025 Australian Open. Shelton's best performance at the Grand Slam tournament was reaching the quarterfinals in 2023. On the other hand, Monfils' best result was also making it to the last eight in 2016 and 2022.

This year, Monfils kicked off his campaign at the Melbourne Major by defeating 30th seed Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in a thrilling five-set match, winning 7-6(7), 6-3, 6-7(6), 6-7(5), 6-4. He then went on to beat Daniel Altmaier 7-5, 6-3, 7-6(3) and fourth seed Taylor Fritz 3-6, 7-5, 7-6(1), 6-4 in the second and third rounds, respectively to secure his spot in the fourth round where he will meet Ben Shelton.

The fourth round match at the Australian Open between Ben Shelton and Gael Monfils will mark the first time these two players will face each other on the ATP Tour.