There are many well-liked players on the ATP Tour, perhaps none more so than the world number one, Carlos Alcaraz.
Since he burst onto the scene in 2020, the Spaniard has won fans over with his captivating style of play and personality.
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His rival, Jannik Sinner, is also incredibly popular, but Serena Williams‘ former coach, Patrick Mouratoglou, does not think the Italian is the second most-liked after Alcaraz.
In a post on Instagram, Mouratoglou suggested there was another star in men’s tennis with a fanbase just as big, if not bigger than Sinner’s.
Patrick Mouratoglou discusses the most liked players on tour
Responding to a fan who claimed that Alcaraz is the only player on the tour who looks like he is having fun, Mouratoglou said: “I think you’re right, and I think it’s extremely key for him to have fun because it helps him be loose, relaxed and creative.
“When he’s not having fun, he gets tight, he makes many more unforced errors and is not as creative. So that’s a key, but not everyone is like this.
“Sinner is not someone who wants to have fun. He’s not here to have fun, he’s here to dominate and hit winners. He enjoys it but he’s not having fun.”
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Mouratoglou then added: “Ben Shelton is also enjoying himself on the tennis court and having fun. I mean, not always, but most of the time. And he needs it.
“He needs to put on a show, otherwise he’s not as good. I mean, that’s why they are two of the most watched and liked players on the tour, Ben Shelton and Carlos Alcaraz.
“Because when someone enjoys, has fun and brings the show, of course it’s extremely pleasant for the fans.”
Ben Shelton’s results on the ATP Tour so far this season
Shelton has recorded an impressive 2026 season so far, which started off at the ASB Classic in Auckland.
After a quarterfinal finish there, the American entered the Australian Open, where he did not drop a set in his first three matches.
Following a fourth-round victory over Casper Ruud, Shelton was knocked out of the tournament with a defeat to Sinner.
Shelton immediately bounced back at the Dallas Open, however, where he secured the fourth title of his career.
He defeated compatriot Taylor Fritz in the final to triumph, having saved three match points in the match.
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