15 September 2023 , 16:34
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The father of emerging American tennis star Ben Shelton has given his verdict on Novak Djokovic's celebration after winning the US Open semi-final.
The all-time record Grand Slam victor got the better of the youngster in the last four at Flushing Meadows and appeared to mimic the 20-year-old as he advanced to the final. As the dust settles on his breakout tournament, the starlet's father has now reacted to his son's opponent's antics.
Shelton junior had marked his quarter-finals win over compatriot Frances Tiafoe with a unique gesture that has since been dubbed the 'dialed-in celebration'. After finally getting the better of his countryman after four sets, he struck a pose by imitating putting a phone to his ear and putting it down.
After losing in his subsequent clash against the eventual tournament winner in straight sets, the 24-time major holder then copied this celebration. Following the disappointment of losing at this advanced stage of the competition, the unseeded player then shook hands with his opponent.
Now, with the dust having settled on Shelton's swashbuckling ride to the semi-finals of the major in New York, his dad has reflected on the episode. Speaking to GQ, the prospect's parent has admitted he was less-than-impressed with the 37-year-old world number one's behaviour.
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Bryan Shelton said: "He wants to be loved so much, Novak He wanted to mock Ben at the end. It wasn’t something he was doing just to copy Ben. It was to mock him. And that’s too bad, for that to come from such a great champion."
Despite his dad's bemused stance on the incident, Ben did seem to take his opponent's antics in good grace, having insisted he had not noticed it while on court. Speaking following his 6-3, 6-2, 7-6 (4) loss, he seemed to be keeping a level-head on the subject.
He said: "I think if you win the match you deserve to do whatever you want. You know, as a kid growing up, I always learned that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery so … that’s all I have to say about that."
In the case of Djokovic himself, he has also denied that he aimed to "mock" the US rookie, as is his father's suggestion. The Serbian tennis legend instead insisted that admired the celebration, asserting: "I just love Ben’s celebration. I thought it was very original and I copied him, I stole his celebration."
With both players at the opposite ends of their respective careers, it remains to be seen whether a rivalry between the pair will develop in the coming years. Djokovic would eventually go on to win the US Open final by beating Daniil Medvedev 3-6, 6-7 (7), 6-3.