Tennis star Ben Shelton watched on by Roger Federer and NBA royalty in Laver Cup doubles match
Rising tennis star Ben Shelton put on another show to help Team World close in on the Laver Cup.
The 20-year-old won in his doubles match alongside Felix Auger-Aliassime in straight sets against the European pair of Gael Monfils and Hubert Hurkacz.
Their 7-5 6-4 victory has ensured that Team World head into the final day leading 10-2.
And with matches worth three points on day three of the Laver Cup, Team World need just one more victory to make it back-to-back tournament wins.
Shelton has emerged as one of the top tennis talents, with his US Open semi-final run catapulting him into a household name in his native America.
Eight-time Wimbledon champion Roger Federer bowed out of tennis following his Laver Cup appearance alongside Rafael Nadal last year.
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But the Swiss icon made sure he was in attendance at the Rogers Arena in Canada to watch Shelton in action.
He sat alongside NBA legends Dirk Nowitzki and Steve Nash, before later being seen with Coldplay's Chris Martin.
Following the win, Shelton lauded his partner Auger-Aliassime as he expressed his pride at sharing the court with the Canadian.
Shelton said: "It’s amazing, when you play with a guy who serves and returns like Felix, is as athletic as him, and goes back for the overhead as strong as him, it’s a fun time.
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“We call him 'Laver Cup Felix' because he turns into something special this week, just glad I got to share the court with him at least once.”
Auger-Aliassime added: “The best comes out of me when I’m playing not only for myself but for team-mates.
"Ben carried me through the end of that match, it was tough for me to get it done.”
While Shelton was watched on by Federer, he revealed earlier in the week how his former rival Nadal was his inspiration growing up.
He remarked: "I think at times on the court, you know, the way that I love to fight, that I don't give up, could be some traits that I saw or learned from Rafa growing up.
"You know, he was one of those guys who replicated it every match, every tournament. You could only hope to have a fighting spirit like him.”
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