Tennis fans left divided after American star Ben Shelton wrote a four-word ‘anti-woke’ message about the USA’s problems at the Australian Open
Tennis fans were divided when they reacted to American star Ben Shelton writing “USA backwards” on the television camera after winning his last match at the Australian Open.
The 23-year-old beat Monaco’s Valentin Vacherot in straight sets on Saturday and, like almost all winners of the tournament, was given a pen to write a message to the fans.
Shelton’s choice of “USA backwards” came after American stars Madison Keys, Coco Gauff, Amanda Anisimova and Taylor Fritz were asked how they felt about playing “under the American flag” at a time of great political tension in the country.
The question, asked repeatedly by a reporter at the tournament, seemed to bother the stars.
Anisimova brutally dismissed the line of questioning at her post-match press conference on Thursday.
In recent months, a number of political issues in America have spilled over into the sports world, with players, fans and coaches expressing their opinions.
Picture: The moment Ben Shelton wrote ‘USA backwards’ into the TV camera after winning his final match at the Australian Open
The American star’s message caused confusion and division among tennis fans; some saw this as patriotic, while others believed he was criticizing his country.
In early January, the shooting death of Renee Good, a 37-year-old mother, by an ICE agent sparked an angry response in the United States.
Shelton’s remarks, which came before Alex Pretti was fatally shot by federal agents in Minneapolis, sparked a massive debate online, with tennis fans offering varying interpretations of the message’s meaning.
The majority believed that he gave unwavering support to his country, while others thought the opposite.
‘Until I get back, it’s actually like saying ‘all day, every day, baby’ or ‘until I’m blue in the face.’ So he’s being patriotic,’ one wrote.
‘”Backwards” is just slang. Whatever he means, he supports/represents his own country, the USA. I hope this helps those who don’t understand!’ added a second.
Another commenter said: ‘Be proud of your country Ben.’
‘That’s why we love him! Do not bow to the awakened one, Ben!’ wrote another fan.
However, this phrase has taken on a very different meaning for some commentators.
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What does true patriotism mean in today’s divided America, especially for athletes on the world stage?
Shelton’s comment came after several American stars were asked what they thought of playing “under the American flag” at a time of great political tension in the country.
The 23-year-old actor (pictured with his girlfriend, football star Trinity Rodman) also divided fans with a political post during the last US presidential election
‘The first time I saw this expression was when people said, ‘Leave someone free until something goes wrong.’ “So basically ‘free USA until USA is free’ means hoping for Freedom in the USA given all the chaos of today,” one wrote.
”Until we get back” is often used when someone wants someone to be released from prison. For example, “Release Bob until it goes wrong” means they will say “Release Bob until it goes wrong,” commented another.
According to Urban Dictionary, these commentators correctly interpret the meaning of ‘until I turn back’.
Other tennis fans thought Shelton was literally talking about spelling ‘USA’ backwards, thus meaning ‘United States of America’.
Commentators who expressed Shelton’s support for America also had very different views on the situation.
“ICE goes around killing citizens and decides to sign it on camera, how stupid can one be,” one of them wrote.
‘You can take pride in believing that an imperfect nation can thrive because we have done it over and over again. “Hope this helps,” another countered.
Shelton also attracted attention with his political social media posts during the last American presidential election in November 2024.
He posted a photo of a sign that read ‘No matter who is president, Jesus is king’, and many people took it as a pro-Donald Trump statement and criticized him as a result.
Shelton also divided fans when he posed for a photo with entrepreneur and Republican politician Vivek Ramaswamy at the Cincinnati Open in August 2024.
When Anisimova was asked how she felt about starring in Stars and Stripes, she replied: ‘I was born in America, so I’m always proud to represent my country. Most of us are doing really well.
‘It’s great to see so many great athletes on the men’s and women’s sides.’
But the reporter insisted. He added: ‘In the context of what’s been going on in the US over the last year, does that complicate that sentiment at all?’
Apparently annoyed by the constantly repeated questions, Anisimova answered bluntly: ‘I don’t think it’s relevant.’
