Madison Keys reveals sweet Ben Shelton 'hypeman' story; credits American & his father Bryan for making her think she's 'phenomenal'

Madison Keys has shared a sweet story involving Ben Shelton and his father Bryan hyping her up and making her think she was "phenomenal." The WTA star also called Shelton one of the best "hypemen" in the world.

Keys and Shelton are currently in Melbourne competing at the Australian Open. On January 20, Keys defeated sixth seed Elena Rybakina in the fourth round of the Major. While she made her way into the player's area, she was greeted by Shelton who hyped her up with an incredible gesture.

The gesture went viral on the internet and Keys was asked in an interview at the Major about Shelton and his hypeman role. The 29-year-old WTA star narrated a sweet story about how he and his father supported her during the preseason in Orlando.

"Ben is honestly one of the best hypemen in the world. We did preseason in Orlando together and it was basically everyday I'd be hitting and I would hear something from Ben three courts down," Madison Keys said.

"I mean between him and his dad I finished preseason and I was like, am I phenomenal? I think I am, the Sheltons surely think I am so maybe I am," she added.

The gesture came minutes before the ATP star entered the court for his fourth-round clash against Gael Monfils.

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Madison Keys and Ben Shelton's Australian Open 2025 journeys

Ben Shelton at the 2025 Australian Open - Source: Getty

Madison Keys and Ben Shelton have become the first American man and woman pair to reach the semifinals of the Australian Open together since 2009. Keys kicked off her journey with a straight-sets victory over compatriot Ann Li and followed it up with a solid win against Elena-Gabriela Ruse in three sets.

In the third round, Keys defeated another compatriot, Danielle Collins, in straight sets before battling against Elena Rybakina and Elina Svitolina to qualify for her third Australian Open semifinal. The 19th seed takes on Iga Swiatek for a place in the final on Thursday, January 23.

Ben Shelton had a strong start on the men's side, winning against Brandon Nakashima in straight sets. The 21st seed then registered two four-set victories over Pablo Carreno Busta in the second round and Lorenzo Musetti in the third.

22-year-old Shelton advanced to the quarterfinals after Gael Monfils retired due to injury from their fourth-round clash. He secured his spot in the semifinals by defeating Lorenzo Sonego in a hard-fought four-set battle. Shelton will face World No. 1 Jannik Sinner in the semifinals on Friday, January 24.