The Cincinnati Open 2025 had already been buzzing with drama when Camilo Ugo Carabelli faced defending champion Ben Shelton. But what no one expected was that the post-match conversations would overshadow the actual tennis. The match ended abruptly when Carabelli was forced to retire in the second set due to a knee injury, with Shelton leading 6–3, 3–1. Yet, it wasn’t the scoreline that became the talk of the day—it was the reaction from Carabelli’s girlfriend.

Just minutes after the match, she was spotted speaking to reporters in a visibly emotional state. “I didn’t expect Americans to be like this,” she said, her voice sharp and trembling. She accused Shelton of showing “a lack of compassion” towards her boyfriend during the match, claiming that his on-court celebrations and intense fist pumps felt disrespectful in light of Carabelli’s obvious physical struggles.

Her words spread like wildfire across social media, sparking heated debates. Some fans agreed, saying Shelton’s fiery demeanor could have been toned down. Others defended the American, pointing out that he’s always been an intense competitor and that it’s unfair to demand he change his style mid-match.

However, the biggest twist came not from the public but from Carabelli himself. While many expected him to back his girlfriend’s statements, he instead took to the press conference room and delivered a surprisingly brief—but powerful—five-word statement:

“Ben played how he plays.”

The room fell silent. It was a sentence that not only contradicted his girlfriend’s criticism but also painted a picture of mutual respect between two professional athletes. Carabelli went on to explain that in competitive sports, players can’t be expected to change their nature on the court. “He’s an emotional player, and that’s part of why he wins matches. My injury was unfortunate, but it’s not his fault,” the Argentine added.

Fans quickly flooded comment sections with praise for Carabelli’s professionalism, calling him “a class act” and “a true sportsman.” Meanwhile, his girlfriend’s earlier remarks were quietly deleted from her social media, suggesting that the couple may have discussed the matter privately after his statement.

Shelton himself, when asked about the controversy, kept his response diplomatic. “I wish Camilo a speedy recovery. He’s a great player, and I hope we face each other again soon—when he’s at 100%,” said the American, avoiding any personal digs.

In the end, what could have spiraled into an ugly war of words instead became an example of sportsmanship and grace under pressure. Carabelli’s five words did more than silence the tension—they reminded everyone that in tennis, respect between players often runs deeper than the drama swirling outside the lines.

Whether the incident will change Shelton’s on-court behavior remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: Carabelli’s brief, respectful statement will be remembered as one of the classiest moments of the tournament.