Golden State Warriors’ Star Welcomes Ben Shelton With a Signature Twist to His Home Turf for the Laver Cup Blockbuster

Ever heard of a place where champions play and history is made? That’s Chase Center, the dazzling San Francisco home of the Golden State Warriors. But this arena isn’t just about basketball; it’s a stage set for greatness of all kinds. Mark your calendars: September 19-21, 2025. For the first time ever, Chase Center will welcome the world of tennis as ‘the city known for its iconic landmarks’ hosts its inaugural Laver Cup. Imagine the excitement: tennis stars like Ben Shelton and Alexander Zverev battling it out on the same floor where Stephen Curry and the seven-time NBA Champion Warriors have thrilled fans. The crossports bells are already ringing, to say the least!

“I think it’ll be a pretty cool atmosphere in San Francisco and we are pumped and super motivated to win back the Laver Cup!” Ben Shelton expressed his excitement on Thursday, ahead of his third Laver Cup appearance. The World No.13 will represent Team World against Team Europe in the event’s eighth edition in September. He’s eager to step on the court at the home of an iconic NBA team. And when you say Warriors, four-time NBA winner Stephen Curry‘s name pops up automatically. Well, guess what? Curry has got a special message for Shelton, in his signature style, ahead of the Laver Cup. So what did he say?

On Thursday, it was confirmed that American youngster and 2025 Australian Open semifinalist Ben Shelton will join Team World. Later, the official account of Chase Centre on Instagram dropped a video, welcoming Shelton at the home of Warriors. The clip included a message from none other than Stephen Curry.

Showing his excitement to see Shelton play at his team’s venue, Curry said, “Yo, what’s up Ben? Heard we’re going to see you at Chase Center out in the bay for the Laver Cup. And you know I only got one thing to say about that.. ” Sharing an unexpected gesture, Curry concluded his message by copying Shelton’s famous ‘dialed-in’ celebration, which involves him mimicking the act of talking on the phone.

‘Dialed-in’ celebration? In 2023, Ben Shelton, 20, made a statement with both his play and his post-match celebration after defeating Frances Tiafoe in a thrilling quarterfinal at Arthur Ashe Stadium. His dramatic phone-slam, borrowed from the fellow University of Florida athlete and world champion hurdler Grant Holloway, capped off a 6-2, 3-6, 7-6 (7), 6-2 victory in the first Grand Slam quarterfinal between two Black American men since the Open era began.

After seeing Curry trying his on-court celebration moves, how could Shelton stay behind? “What’s up Steph? That’s right. I’ll start prepping my move for September,” said Shelton while copying the NBA star’s iconic ‘night night’ celebration.

Coming back to Shelton, then he’s already being touted as the one to watch out for at the Laver Cup. Former tennis legend and Team World’s captain Andre Agassi believes that the young American might play a crucial role on his side. How?

Basketball Team World’s captain Andre Agassi showers praising words on Ben Shelton ahead of Laver Cup

Last month, Ben Shelton became the youngest American to reach the Australian Open semis since Andy Roddick in 2003. He secured his spot in the last four after defeating Italy’s Lorenzo Sonego 6-4, 7-5, 4-6, 7-6(4). Unfortunately, Shelton didn’t stand a chance against his SF opponent, who was none other than World No.1 Jannik Sinner. The latter did face a little turbulence in the first set where Shelton pushed the fight into a tie-break. However, the Fox then sealed the match with a final score line of 7-6(2), 6-2, 6-2. Although he lost against Sinner, Shelton didn’t feel dejected. Why?

“Obviously you’re playing the No. 1 player in the world, the chances and the windows are always small. Sometimes you miss your window, and the guy steps up his level, starts making a lot more first serves, playing better. The break chances don’t come as often,” he said in a press conference, as reported by ATP’s website on January 24.

“I know I’m close. I know my level’s close. I know I have a lot of the stuff that I need. I certainly believe in myself,” he added. After his stellar run down under, Shelton witnessed a huge jump in the rankings. From 20th spot, he made a leap to the 14th position. Currently, he has improved it by one spot, being No.13. Seeing his rapid growth, compatriot and tennis icon Andre Agassi thinks he’s got a bright future ahead.

After it was confirmed that Ben will remain in his team at the Laver Cup, Agassi said that the event always “brings out the best in players – it’s high stakes, high intensity and full of drama,” reported the tournament’s website on February 20.

Admiring Shelton, who was a part of a victorious Team World in 2023’s edition, he said, “Ben is an explosive talent and thrives in this team environment. He’s had a strong start to the season, and I’m focused on building a team that will be ready to take on Europe in September!” What are your thoughts on his prospects in 2025 edition? Let us know in the comments below.