Ben Shelton sparked concern and curiosity among fans during his fourth-round clash against Lorenzo Sonego. The 22-year-old American, known for always wearing sleeveless shirts, revealed something that caught viewers’ attention: bold red marks on his left shoulder and arm.
Spectators couldn’t ignore the unusual marks. Although such signs are not uncommon among elite athletes, many fans were unfamiliar with this phenomenon, making it a topic of online buzz during and after the match.
A body recovery technique behind the marks
Shelton actively maintains his physical health, and the marks were the result of a popular recovery method among athletes: cupping therapy. This technique involves using suction cups to pull the skin and underlying tissue upward. The goal is to stimulate blood flow and remove stagnant fluids, especially in joints and muscles prone to injury.
However, the downside is its visibility. The suction often breaks small blood vessels beneath the skin, leaving red or purple circles that resemble bruises. While medically harmless, they tend to generate reactions from those unfamiliar with the practice.
Fans quickly took to social media, sharing their surprise and humor:
“Shelton with suction marks on his body?”
“He’s about to unleash the dragon haha”
“What are those circles on Ben Shelton’s arm? A rash? At Ashe?”
“Ben Shelton’s been getting cupping therapy on his shoulders and upper arms.”
Despite the distraction, Shelton remained focused on the court. He defeated the Italian Sonego in four sets and advanced to the quarterfinals. This marked a milestone in his Wimbledon journey, as he had never previously made it past the fourth round.
Shelton’s performance—and the mysterious red marks—made headlines, combining athletic excellence with a glimpse into the rigorous recovery routines of top-tier tennis players.
