Ben Shelton and Flavio Cobolli gave their all in a grueling fourth-round clash at the Canadian Open, which came down to a deciding set tiebreak. However, it wasn’t just their on-court battle that drew attention; the two also made headlines for a tense verbal exchange during their post-match handshake.
Former World No. 4 and Coco Gauff’s ex-coach, Brad Gilbert, also weighed in on the tense exchange and what may have caused the confrontation.
Brad Gilbert’s Crystal Clear Take On Ben Shelton’s Canadian Open Controversy
Shelton took the opening set 6-4, but Cobolli responded resiliently, disrupting the American’s rhythm and dragging him into longer rallies to claim the second set by the same score. The deciding set saw both players push to the limit, but Shelton sealed the match in a tiebreak, 7-6(1), with an influential ace.
At the net, Shelton and Cobolli appeared to engage in a seemingly tense verbal exchange, reportedly triggered by a gesture made by the Italian during the tiebreak that Shelton didn’t welcome with open arms. The Italian, however, was quick to clarify that his actions weren’t directed towards the American, but rather stemmed from their grueling contest.
“I served for the three-hour match, you can understand, if I do something with you. But it’s not always with you. You understand me? Because I didn’t want to fight with you.
You deserved to win this match, I know. But you can understand if I do something after three hours of match,” he was heard saying.
Ben Shelton and Flavio Cobolli continued their tense exchange well after the match ended 👀#NBO25 | @NBOtoronto pic.twitter.com/NlgVBm3OQ4
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) August 4, 2025
The players didn’t appear to hold any grudges, as they calmly talked things through and defused the tension with a handshake after the match. The exchange may have seemed heated, but it was likely fueled by the competitive intensity rather than any real animosity, which Gilbert also believed.
He wrote on X how he felt the highlight was the intense match, not the fight.
i’ve watched a few videos online doesn’t look 👀 like that much between Gimme Shelton and Cobolli obviously very tight match in the heat 🔥 of the moment,
— Brad Gilbert (@bgtennisnation) August 4, 2025
Gilbert, who split with two-time Grand Slam champion Gauff in September 2024, frequently shares his online opinions on global tennis affairs.
Shelton Also Shed Light on His Exchange With Cobolli at the Canadian Open
Later in his on-court interview, Shelton clarified that he and Cobolli were simply trying to clear the air during their exchange, and that everything had been resolved.
“He just made a gesture in the tiebreaker in asked him about it. He said it wasn’t towards me so we’re cool,” he said.
Ben Shelton on the exchange with Flavio Cobolli after their match in Toronto
“Can you walk us through that discussion?”
Ben: “He just made a gesture in the tiebreaker in asked him about it. He said it wasn’t towards me so we’re cool.” pic.twitter.com/F7DtsDNTvS
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) August 4, 2025
Shelton will now shift his focus to World No. 8 Alex de Minaur. The Aussie will undoubtedly be a tough test for the American, given he’s in fine form since his recent title-winning run at the Citi DC Open. This will be their first-ever meeting on tour, and if Shelton prevails, he’ll reach his first Masters 1000 semifinal.
