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“He Devalued It by Putting His Name on It”: Jake Paul Sparks Outrage After Receiving Game Ball at US Open During Ben Shelton vs. Novak Djokovic

Published 09/09/2023, 8:03 AM EDT

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Jake Paul, the internet phenomenon, and divisive figure, does it again. No, he’s not boxing or releasing another viral video. Instead, he’s courtside, stealing the limelight at the US Open. But not in the way you might think. While the tennis world’s eyes were on a pivotal match between Ben Shelton and tennis maestro Novak Djokovic, a simple game ball became the talk of the town.

Why? Because it ended up in the hands of none other than Jake Paul. Odd, right? The very game ball, soaked in sweat and the energy of a high-intensity match, nestled in the hands of a YouTube boxer. The reasons, reactions, and repercussions? They’re as layered and varied as the man himself.

How has Jake Paul turned a simple tennis ball into social media gold?

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As the tension mounted on the court between Ben Shelton and Novak Djokovic, an unexpected subplot unfolded in the stands. Jake Paul, always one to be at the center of attention, had in his possession a game ball. And it wasn’t long before the internet caught on.

Firstly, one user took to social media, commenting, “They gave him a game ball and he devalued it by putting his name on it.” The implication here is clear: by marking a piece of tennis history, Jake Paul diminished its significance.

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Following that, another user chimed in with a more satirical tone, musing, “Jake ‘The Child’ Paul. The Problem was solved back in February and Diaz turned in some extra credit.” Drawing a parallel between Paul’s boxing ventures and this tennis spectacle, this user humorously highlights the YouTube star’s knack for being in the spotlight.

 

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But the banter didn’t stop there. Aonther fan threw down a playful challenge, wondering, “WHO callin out jake in tennis⁉️⁉️” Perhaps suggesting that if Jake wants to dabble in tennis, he should be ready to face its champions.

However, not everyone was amused. One user was quick to dismiss the hoopla, simply stating, “Nobody cares.” Indicating that for some, Jake Paul’s antics, even at the US Open, are just background noise.

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Another user brought a different perspective, noting that she “spotted him in the background when Djokovic was giving his speech.” While not directly commenting on the game ball incident, she points out how Jake’s presence was hard to miss, even during significant moments of the match.

Jake Paul’s brief moment at the US Open serves as a testament to his unparalleled ability to capture attention. Whether it’s in the boxing ring or the spectator stands of a tennis court. The myriad reactions, ranging from amusement to indifference, shed light on the power of modern influencers in our digital age.

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In a world increasingly influenced by social media and celebrity, do such incidents enhance the excitement of traditional sports, or detract from the true essence of the game?

Watch this story: Jake Paul Net Worth: Five Biggest Fight Purse of His Boxing Career

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Written by:

Mrinal Mishra

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Mrinal Mishra is a Boxing writer at EssentiallySports, who is dedicated to covering live events with a special emphasis on influencer boxing events. With a focus on storytelling, Mishra strives to bring to light the stories of fighters that often go untold. As a big fan of Mike Tyson, Mishra believes that boxing will remain relevant for eternity, and he is committed to covering the sport with the respect and admiration it deserves.
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Edited by:

Arijit Saha