The ongoing US Open‘s biggest clash has unsurprisingly seen plenty of hype around it. Americans love backing their local players and nothing tops an all-American clash in the second week of the year’s final Grand Slam. Frances Tiafoe and Ben Shelton‘s quarter-final encounter has become the talk of town. While the high-octane clash was already generating buzz, it was a certain Shelton move that set off Twitter!

Fans and experts have been looking to analyze the match ever since the Americans cruised into the last eight. However, the discussion was not just limited to their tennis. Prior to such encounters, people often discuss the personal and non-tennis-related subjects surrounding the players. Shelton arrived at the court with a few rather odd marks on his arm that did not go unnoticed, thereby stirring up one such social media debate.

Ben Shelton causes social media speculation

A cupping mark was visible on Shelton’s arm when he arrived on the court for his QF clash against his fellow compatriot. Certain athletes have used the treatment previously too, but it’s not a common sight in tennis. This led to a debate on social media, as many users were curious about the reason.

One user brought in a picture from 2022 where cupping marks were visible on Shelton.

On the contrary, the Twitter handle of ‘The Tennis Podcast’ revealed that the cupping mark had no effect on his service speed.

Meanwhile, ESPN announcers sounded a hopeful note, as they also did not believe that the American youngster actively needed cupping.

Top Stories

Rafael Nadal Returns to Tour With a Surprising Twist for Rising Stars

Iga Swiatek Opens Up About Financial Struggles and ‘Stressful’ Conditions During Her Childhood

ITA CEO Addresses Backlash Over International Pro-Players Inclusion in NCAA Tennis

Nick Kyrgios Confirms His Return to Professional Tour

Learner Tien Achieves Rare Feat After Defeating World No. 167 in Jeddah

Another account found it rather amusing that the cupping had aroused this level of curiosity.

Cupping is also considered pseudo-science. Havard Health Publishing also suggests that cupping leads to a placebo effect and there is no scientific proof of its benefits. Parallels can be drawn with Novak Djokovic‘s nano patch here.

WATCH THIS STORY: ‘Why Is His Brother Taking a Video..Sweet Home Alabama?’ – Tennis Fans React Hilariously to Unearthed Novak Djokovic Underwear Photo

How similar is Novak Djokovic’s nano chip to cupping?

Well, the two remedies seem to be entirely different, but they share a common factor. Both are deemed to be pseudo-scientific practices. Djokovic first revealed his chip during this year’s Roland Garros. During a changeover, the Serb changed his t-shirt, and the chip was visible on his chest. It led to a heated social media discussion as curiosity took center stage with fans again over the unusual practice.

Later, the Serbinator explained the reason behind the chip. He said that he strongly believes in its benefits and acknowledged its contribution to his Grand Slam glory.

ALSO READ: After the Infamous ‘Iron Man’ Revelation at Roland Garros and Wimbledon, Will Novak Djokovic Pull Off Similar Feat Once Again at the US Open?