Ben Shelton’s hilarious reaction to Jalen Brunson goes viral after Knicks star watches US Open semifinal win

Ben Shelton admitted he was starstruck by Jalen Brunson during his US Open semi-final victory over Frances Tiafoe, with the American tennis star revealing the Knicks captain caught his attention in the stands.

Shelton defeated Tiafoe 4-6, 6-3, 6-3, 7-5 on Friday night to reach his first Grand Slam final, with Brunson among the famous faces watching from Arthur Ashe Stadium.

The New York Knicks star attended alongside actor and director Ben Stiller after helping his team end a 53-year wait for an NBA championship during the 2025-26 season.

Shelton was dealing with plenty of distractions during the three-hour, 17-minute battle, with several major sporting and entertainment figures in attendance.

Speaking after his win, the 23-year-old admitted Brunson was one person he could not help but notice.

“It’s not easy playing here at Arthur Ashe,” Shelton said. “You’re playing in front of all your favorite athletes and movie stars, so to be able to keep your head down and focus for over three hours is not an easy task. I keep on looking up at the screen like, ‘Oh shoot, Jalen Brunson is here.’”

"I keep on looking up at the screen like oh shoot, Jalen Brunson's here"

Ben Shelton post match after defeating Frances Tiafoe to advance to U.S. Open final

From the source (H/T @ohnohedidnt24)

Brunson has enjoyed an extraordinary year himself after leading the Knicks to their first NBA title since 1973.

He averaged 28.4 points per game during the playoffs and shot 46.5 per cent from the field, 36.3 per cent from three and 84.6 per cent from the free-throw line across 19 post-season games.

Shelton now has the chance to create his own piece of American sporting history.

The win over Tiafoe followed his stunning quarter-final victory over defending champion Carlos Alcaraz, while his 20 aces helped him overcome his fellow American in the last four.

That run has taken Shelton into a final against Alexander Zverev, although the German holds a 5-0 record against him.

Shelton will also be aiming to become the first American man to win a Grand Slam since Andy Roddick in 2003. A victory would make the moment even bigger for the home crowd that has backed him throughout his run.