Nitto Mascots boost Ben Shelton & Co. at Nitto ATP Finals

ATP Tour

Fire up the footwork! Mascots boost Shelton & co. at Nitto ATP Finals

Nitto Mascot Programme into its ninth year

FITP

Nitto mascot Gioele walks on court with Ben Shelton on Sunday in Turin. By ATP Staff

With his all-action game and on-court charisma, Ben Shelton has established himself as a fans' favourite around the world on the ATP Tour. Yet it was his turn to stand back and enjoy someone else’s fancy footwork on court earlier this week at the Nitto ATP Finals.

When Shelton stepped out Sunday for his debut at the prestigious season finale against Alexander Zverev, he took the hand of seven-year-old Gioele, one of the participants in this year’s Nitto Mascot Programme. The pair walked across the court in front of a capacity crowd at Inalpi Arena before reaching Shelton’s chair, at which point Gioele promptly performed a series of dance moves, somewhat reminiscent of a player warming up for a match.

“I think regardless of who he walked out with, he was going to hit those dance moves,” said Shelton with a smile, when asked about the walk-on. “It's cool. I love being able to inspire the next generation. The young kids that you can have an influence on are the fans that I really love to see excited about the tennis.”

Watch: Shelton’s Fun Moment With Nitto Mascot Gioele In Turin:

As in previous years, walk-on mascots like Gioele are escorting players onto court for every singles match at the 2025 Nitto ATP Finals. The children are all from Casa UGI, a Turin-based volunteer organisation that supports children who are battling cancer and their families, doctors, nurses and volunteers. The children participating have either struggled with an illness or have a family member who is dealing with one.

As an elite athlete, Shelton recognises the importance of inspiring children, both with his on-court exploits and with the way he engages with them without a racquet in hand. The 23-year-old cited his fun moment with Gioele as a prime example of the positive experiences sport can bring to younger fans.

“That's cool to see the fanbase that we have in our sport get younger and younger," said Shelton. “That was a really special moment, for sure. Anytime I have interaction with kids that are excited at tournaments or practices, wherever it is, it makes me happy.”

Professore Enrico Pira , Presidente UGI - Unione Genitori Italiani contro il tumore dei bambini ODV, said: “Once again this year, thanks to Nitto, our kids were given a priceless experience — a moment of lightness and joy that lifts their spirits, renews their energy, and reminds them that hope can shine even in the hardest moments.”

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