Ben Shelton gives poignant patriotic message after Australian Open victory

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A reporter at the Australian Open has been asking American tennis stars their thoughts on the country and what it's like to represent the Stars and Stripes.

Ben Shelton apparently gave his answer without even being asked.

After a victory over Valentin Vacherot in the third round of the Australian Open early Saturday morning, Shelton took part in the tennis tradition of signing a camera but delivered a pointed message.

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Ben Shelton of the United States reacts in a men's singles third-round match against Valentin Vacherot of Monaco during the 2026 Australian Open at Melbourne Park Jan. 24, 2026, in Melbourne, Australia.  (Shi Tang/Getty Images)

"USA ‘til it’s backwards," Shelton signed. The phrase is a play on modern slang used to signal unwavering support or "standing on business" for a cause.

Taylor Fritz, Coco Gauff, Madison Keys, Amanda Anisimova and Naomi Osaka have all been asked similar questions by the same reporter at the Australian Open. Anisimova was specifically asked if she had any feelings playing for the country "in the context of the last year of everything that’s been happening in the U.S.," and if it "complicate[d]" her thoughts.

"I don’t think that’s relevant," she fired back.

John Isner and Tennys Sandgren slammed the reporter on social media.

Ben Shelton of the U.S. celebrates after defeating Lorenzo Sonego of Italy in their quarterfinal match at the Australian Open in Melbourne, Australia, Jan. 22, 2025.  (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)

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