Tennis star’s awkward reaction caught on live TV as fan proposes to him during match

2 months ago 30

A TENNIS star could not hide his awkward reaction to a fan proposing to him during a match.

Ben Shelton, 22, faced Argentina’s Tomas Martin Etcheverry in the first round of the Swiss Indoors event in Basel.

Ben Shelton was proposed to during his Swiss Indoors match[/caption]

The American could not help but laugh at the moment[/caption]

But as he closed in on victory, his focus was temporarily distracted by a hopeful heckle from the crowd.

Leading 6-3 5-3 with Etcheverry about to serve to stay in the match, the plucky lady called out.

She asked: “Ben, will you marry me?”

The request prompted a ripple of laughter from the Swiss crowd.

Shelton – who reached the US Open semi-finals last year thanks to his ex-pro dad and coach – initially showed no real reaction, puffing out his exhaling deeply as he prepared to return serve.

But then the American lefty allowed himself a quick chuckle and then wiped away the sweat from his face while shaking his head.

Etcheverry, though, did not seem to see the funny side as he kept his game face on ahead of the must-win game.

The Argentine held before No6 seed Shelton safely booked his place in the round of 16.

Comical proposal offers are not uncommon at tennis tournaments – especially from Pimms-fuelled punters at Wimbledon.

But for one fan in Central Park, it worked out a treat.

Arthur Borges bumped into former Wimbledon champ and world No1 Garbine Muguruza during the 2021 US Open.

Shelton kept his focus to secure the win[/caption]

Garbine Muguruza married fan Arthur Borges after they met in Central Park[/caption]