Djokovic explains controversial celebration as opponent makes feelings clear

09 September 2023 , 05:00

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Novak Djokovic copied Ben Shelton's celebration after the US Open semi-final (Image: 2023 Getty Images)

Novak Djokovic offered a simple explanation after performing a controversial celebration after his US Open semi-final win over Ben Shelton.

Djokovic moved a step closer to a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam singles title as he booked his spot in Sunday’s final at Flushing Meadows. He dispatched of 20-year-old American sensation Shelton in straight sets (6-3, 6-2, 7-6) with a dominant display.

After his match point, the Serbian appeared to troll Shelton by copying the celebration he performed after beating Frances Tiafoe in his quarter-final two days earlier. The Serbian pretended to hang up an imaginary telephone - just as Shelton had done on Wednesday.

The celebration saw some accuse Djokovic of disrespecting his young opponent by mimicking him immediately after the defeat. But he offered a simple explanation when asked about why he did it after the match.

“I just love Ben’s celebration,” Djokovic said. “I thought it was very original. I copied him. I stole his celebration.”

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Shelton admitted he had not seen the gesture until after the match. However, he stated he could have no complaints and looked to take it as a compliment that he had been copied by the best player in the world.

Shelton said: "I didn't see it until after the match.. I don't like when I am 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 growing up, I always learned that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.”

Ben Shelton performed the same celebration after his quarterfinal win (Twitter@https://twitter.com/SkySportsTennis)

Djokovic has had to go through two Americans en route to the final, where he will face Daniil Medvedev after his win over Carlos Alcaraz. The Serbian beat Taylor Fritz in his quarter-final before beating Shelton.

“These are the matches I thrive on that inspire me to wake up every day,” Djokovic said in his on-court interview after the match. “To work as hard as the young guys.

“Grand Slams count most in our sport. I knew prior to the quarter-final and semi-final I was gonna play an American. This is the kind of atmosphere we all like to play in.”

Rich Jones