WATCH: Ben Shelton hypes up Madison Keys in incredibly sweet Australian Open moment after American books QF spot

Ben Shelton became his compatriot Madison Keys' hype man after the American clinched an upset win over sixth seed Elena Rybakina to reach the quarterfinals of the 2025 Australian Open on Monday (January 20). Shelton later reached the final eight of the Melbourne Major on the same day after his opponent Gael Monfils' unfortunate mid-match retirement.

Keys took on Rybakina in a mouth-watering fourth-round clash at the Margaret Court Arena. The American defeated the former finalist 6-3, 1-6, 6-3 to reach the quarterfinals of the Happy Slam for the fourth time in her career. Ben Shelton, who was waiting in the player arena for his fourth-round match against Monfils, hyped Keys up and gave her a five.

Watch the moment here:

The American tennis players share a great rapport evidenced by their chemistry during team events such as the Olympics and the United Cup. Shelton had wished Keys a happy married life after she and her coach Bjorn Fratangelo tied the knot on November 23 last year.

On the tennis side of things, Ben Shelton was involved in a thrilling battle with veteran Gael Monfils, however, the Frenchman retired mid-match, with Shelton leading 7-6(3), 6-7(3), 7-6(2), 1-0. The American sent a beautiful message to Monfils during his on-court interview.

“I’ve watched him since I was a little kid. I always say he has the greatest highlight tape of all time and you guys saw some of that tonight. At 38 years old, I hope I’m still walking without crutches," he said.

He also hailed the 38-year-old's recent marvelous performances at the ASB Classic and the Australian Open.

Ben Shelton will face Lorenzo Sonego while Madison Keys is set to play Elina Svitolina in Australian Open 2025 QFs

Ben Shelton - Source: Getty

21st seed Ben Shelton will take on Lorenzo Sonego in the quarterfinals of the 2025 Australian Open, in what will be the third meeting between the two men. The head-to-head between them is level at 1-1.

Shelton has defeated dangerous players such as Brandon Nakashima, Pablo Carreno Busta, 16th seed Lorenzo Musetti, and Gael Monfils en route to the last eight. Sonego, meanwhile, has passed the Stan Wawrinka, Joao Fonseca, Fabian Marozsan, and Learner Tien tests.

On the other hand, the 19th-seeded Madison Keys will face 28th seed Elina Svitolina in the sixth installment of their rivalry. The American has a 3-2 edge over the Ukrainian in their rivalry.

Keys has ousted Ann Li, Elena-Gabriela Ruse, Danielle Collins, and Elena Rybakina while Svitolina has clinched wins over Sorana Cirstea, Carolina Dolehide, fourth seed Jasmine Paolini, and Veronika Kudermatova so far.