Tennis legend Novak Djokovic ended Ben Shelton’s dream run at the US Open. Shelton was very impressive throughout the tournament but came up short against the Serb. Novak finished the match in style, making his way to a record 36th Grand Slam final appearance. Djokovic copied Ben’s ‘Phone call’ celebration after the match, but it has since taken a rather controversial turn.
Shelton made heads turn with his raw skills at the Flushing Meadows this year. He pulled out the phone call celebratory move this week as a way to show that he is “dialed in.” Ben’s unique way to celebrate left a mark, especially after his win against Frances Tiafoe in the quarterfinals.
Shelton was up against 3-time US Open champion Djokovic in the semifinal. He could not get a dent in the first two sets, as Djokovic absolutely steamrollered him. Shelton did fight back in the third set, forcing a tiebreaker, but Djokovic won it easily. The Serb then imitated Shelton’s move of hanging up an imaginary phone while looking at the crowd.
Novak Djokovic hangs up the phone on Ben Shelton after beating him at the US Open. 📞🥶 pic.twitter.com/aTnjVFDWHY
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) September 8, 2023
Djokovic’s celebration has divided the fans. Some fans have praised Djokovic, for giving the crowd a taste of their own medicine. Others, feel differently.
The general consensus among the second group is that Djokovic mocking a 20-year-old is utterly disgraceful. One user thinks that this is why “He will remain disliked by many.” Here are a few reactions to the incident.
Djokovic doing his opponent’s celebration is peak petty and why despite his greatness he will remain disliked by many. #USOpen
— Merlisa (@merlisa) September 8, 2023
😂😂😂🎾🎾🎾
Oh come on he did it toward the crowd The crowd was booing him in the third set so he gave him their medicine ‼️‼️‼️😂🎾💯— BasicBeachTime ⏰🌴🌊 (@basic1_basic) September 8, 2023
Aussie tennis star Nick Kyrgios also commented on Djokovic’s celebration. Kyrgios, the ever-controversial figure, quoted the tweet and wrote “Cold.”
COLD ❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️ https://t.co/IeWH6GtAFj
— Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) September 9, 2023
Irrespective of the controversy, Novak Djokovic is now one step closer to winning a 24th Grand Slam title. He will take on Daniil Medvedev in the final, to whom he lost in 2021.
Why did Novak Djokovic imitate Ben Shelton?
Controversy erupted as soon as the match ended. Social media was abuzz due to Djokovic’s antics at the Arthur Ashe Stadium. Theories as to why he did it flew in thick and fast.
However, Djokovic had a very simple reason for copying Ben’s celebration. When he was asked about it in the post-match interview, Djokovic disclosed that he copied Shelton because it was so original.
Novak Djokovic on his phone celebration after beating Ben Shelton:
“I just love Ben’s celebration. I thought it was very original. I copied him. I stole his celebration.” pic.twitter.com/AAi45MBClr
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) September 9, 2023
Shelton showed maturity when he was asked about the incident in the press conference. “As a kid growing up, I always learned that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery,” said Ben (via Fox Sports).
Ben Shelton on Novak Djokovic doing his phone celebration at US Open:
“I didn’t see it until after the match. I don’t like when I’m on social media and I see people telling me how I can or can’t celebrate. If you win the match you deserve to do whatever you want. As a kid… pic.twitter.com/Xj8dDpocvH
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) September 8, 2023
Novak Djokovic is no stranger to controversies. He will put this episode behind him to focus on the next challenge, which is facing Medvedev in the final. The blockbuster of a final will be played on Sunday, September 10th.
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