**Clare Balding Sheds Light on Unusual Back Marks Spotted on Wimbledon Star Ben Shelton**
Wimbledon’s ever-watchful crowds were abuzz on Sunday after spotting a series of conspicuous circular marks on American tennis sensation Ben Shelton’s shoulder and back. The 21-year-old player powered through to his maiden quarter-final at Wimbledon, clinching a hard-fought 3-6, 6-1, 7-6 (7-1), 7-5 victory over Italy’s Lorenzo Sonego. However, alongside his athletic feats, it was the unusual markings on display during his time on Centre Court that prompted discussion among both spectators and viewers at home.
Seated in the BBC commentary box, presenter Clare Balding was quick to address the mystery after observant fans posed questions across social media. As Shelton took time to sign autographs for fans after the match, Balding reassured viewers that the marks were “not tattoos” but the result of cupping therapy, a treatment increasingly popular with elite athletes across a range of sports.
“Those marks on Shelton’s shoulder – they’re from cupping, not tattoos,” Balding explained. “It’s something you also see with swimmers. The process draws blood to the surface, helping with recovery and inflammation.”
Cupping therapy involves placing specialised cups on the skin to create suction, drawing blood towards or away from particular areas of the body. While its origins are ancient and often debated, modern athletes frequently turn to the practice in hopes of reducing pain, alleviating muscle tension, and speeding up recovery between intense matches.
Shelton’s performance on court certainly underscored his focus, as he overcame the challenge posed by the ever-tenacious Sonego. Reflecting on the battle, Shelton acknowledged the tough exchange of play: “Every time I needed a big point, Sonego seemed to come up with a shot to remember. Perhaps it goes both ways. Regardless, it was great fun out there.”
He was quick to praise the Wimbledon audience, dispelling rumours of British reserve among tennis fans. “I love playing in front of you guys. A few people said crowds here are a bit quieter, but that wasn’t my experience at all,” he told the crowd, clearly invigorated by the Centre Court atmosphere.
A significant influence in Shelton’s blossoming career is his father and coach, Bryan Shelton, himself a former player who also reached the fourth round at SW19. When asked about his key inspiration, Ben credited his father: “He was in the round of 16 here about three decades ago. He always pushed for a big serve and volley game. I reckon I’ve got the edge over him on the baseline though,” he joked with a smile.
The young American revealed his determination to finish the win in four sets, aiming to avoid another draining tie-breaker. “I didn’t want that final set to go to a tie-break, particularly against someone serving as well as Sonego,” Shelton explained. “Usually you don’t get a second chance, so I was keen to capitalise when I saw my opportunity at 15-40.”
Ending the match with a string of powerful returns, Shelton confessed, “I felt I produced my best tennis in that last game – that’s what I’ll need to keep doing as the tournament goes on. Finishing like that gives me a big confidence boost heading forward.”
Now through to his first Wimbledon quarter-final, Shelton will face the winner of Jannik Sinner and Grigor Dimitrov’s showdown, set to take place later this evening. The prospect of an American breaking new ground at SW19 is sure to keep fans on the edge of their seats as the tournament unfolds.
As the buzz over Shelton’s cupping marks suggests, Wimbledon remains a stage not just for sporting drama, but for intriguing side stories and the ongoing evolution of how today’s athletes maintain their edge. Whether it’s recovery methods or family legacy, young talents like Shelton are making their mark — sometimes quite literally — on the grandest stage in tennis.