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Ben Shelton Playfully Calls Frances Tiafoe a ‘Snake’ Over NBA Snub As Kevin Durant Attends Match
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The playful rivalry between American tennis stars Ben Shelton and Frances Tiafoe adds an extra layer of excitement to the U.S. Men’s Clay Court Championships in Houston.Andres Today
Ben Shelton playfully called out his fellow American tennis player Frances Tiafoe for secretly attending a Houston Rockets game, despite telling Shelton he would not go. Tiafoe was spotted courtside at the game, where he interacted with Rockets star Kevin Durant, who later attended Tiafoe’s match.
Why it matters
The lighthearted exchange between Shelton and Tiafoe highlights the camaraderie and competitiveness between top American tennis players as they compete in the U.S. Men’s Clay Court Championships in Houston.
The details
Tiafoe was a high-profile guest at the Toyota Center on March 31, 2026, to watch the Houston Rockets take on the New York Knicks. An avid basketball fan, he was seen enjoying the game from a courtside seat. After the game, Tiafoe shared a warm embrace and brief conversation with Rockets star Kevin Durant, who promised to return the favor by attending one of Tiafoe’s upcoming matches.
- On March 31, 2026, Tiafoe attended the Houston Rockets vs. New York Knicks game.
- Shelton revealed the story about Tiafoe’s ‘snake’ move during his post-match interview on the Tennis Channel.
The players
Ben Shelton
An American tennis player who is the top seed at the U.S. Men’s Clay Court Championships in Houston.
Frances Tiafoe
An American tennis player who was spotted attending the Houston Rockets game, despite telling Shelton he would not go.
Kevin Durant
A star player for the Houston Rockets who interacted with Tiafoe after the game and promised to attend one of Tiafoe’s upcoming matches.
What they’re saying
“I actually asked Frances at practice yesterday if he was going to the Rockets game and he said ‘No,’ so he’s a snake.”
— Ben Shelton, Tennis Player
“During their chat, the NBA veteran reportedly promised to return the favor by attending one of Tiafoe’s upcoming matches at the ATP 250 event in Houston.”
— Kevin Durant, NBA Player
What’s next
Shelton will take on Thiago Agustín Tirante in the quarterfinals, while Tiafoe will face either No. 7 seed Alex Michelsen or Alexei Popyrin.
The takeaway
The playful exchange between Shelton and Tiafoe showcases the friendly rivalry and camaraderie among top American tennis players as they compete on the ATP Tour.
