Novak Djokovic minces no words bashing Ben Shelton over ‘unsportsmanlike’ behavior at the US Open 2023 following ‘phone call’ celebration

Novak Djokovic defeated Ben Shelton 6-2, 6-3, 7-6(4) in the semi-final of the 2023 US Open.

Novak Djokovic minces no words bashing Ben Shelton over ‘unsportsmanlike’ behavior at the US Open 2023 following ‘phone call’ celebration

Ben Shelton and Novak Djokovic's Dial in and Hang up celebrations (Sources: Tribune India, Daily Express)

Ben Shelton’s ‘Dial-in’ celebration became pretty famous during the 2023 US Open and back then, it was the talk of the tennis world.

Although the American youngster first did the celebration after defeating Frances Tiafoe in the quarterfinal of the Grand Slam, it only gained popularity after Novak Djokovic copied it after beating Shelton in the semi-final a few days later. And just like any other thing that the Serb does, it became a topic of controversy.

YouTube video

Novak Djokovic is always respectful towards his opponents but knows how to return favors in kind if they are disrespectful or towards him.

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Unfortunately, Ben Shelton did just that. Needless to say, he was the underdog in the clash and tried to get under the Serb’s skin by shouting at his face aggressively between the games after winning points. This did not work, as the 24-time Grand Slam champion won the match in straight sets. 

He made it clear after emerging victorious in the third set tiebreak that he did not like Shelton’s behavior during the match, as he copied his ‘Dial-in’ celebration in reverse in an attempt to subtly mock the youngster.

Fans called it the ‘Hang-up’ celebration. In response, Shelton gave him a cold handshake. The tennis world was divided in opinion over Djokovic’s actions.

However, in a recent pre-Australian Open press conference, he opened up about the incident and said that Ben Shelton did not act properly in the match. 

It was a reaction against him, he did not behave properly, with respect, on court, and before the match. If anyone one places himself in the unsportsmanlike zone, I react.
He said. (H/T: Le Equipe)

However, in the post-match conference after the semi-final, he did not reveal his real intention behind copying Ben Shelton’s celebration and gave a sarcastic response when enquired about the same. 

I just love Ben’s celebration. I thought it was very original. I copied him. I stole his celebration.
The Serb had said back then.

Read More: “Myself always first,” Novak Djokovic name-drops his biggest rival just a day ahead of his Australian Open stint

Novak Djokovic and Ben Shelton’s rivalry continued even after the match was over

Djokovic imitating Ben Shelton’s celebration kind of worked in the American’s favor, as it got a lot of traction.

Players across the globe started copying the ‘Dial-in’ celebration and Ben Shelton himself did it again at the 2023 Laver Cup.

Novak Djokovic (L), Ben Shelton (R)
Novak Djokovic (L), Ben Shelton (R) (Sources: US Today, CNN)

It has now become the signature Ben Shelton celebration and the Roger Federer-backed brand On, which signed Ben Shelton and Iga Swiatek as its ambassadors in 2023, recently launched a limited edition Ben Shelton merchandise that has the words ‘Dialed in’ written in front. 

Moreover, Ben Shelton’s cold behaviour against the Serb continued off-court as well. He said in the post-match conference that he did not see Djokovic’s celebration until after the match was over and said that players should not be questioned for celebrating however they wish to without any backlash. 

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 growing up, I always learned that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.
He said

Moreover, upon being asked how it felt to play against Novak was different from what he expected while watching him on TV, Shelton claimed that he never really watched the Serb on TV. Many fans thought that this was disrespectful and said that the youngster needed a lesson in tennis history.

I don't think I really watched Novak on TV, just saw the tapes of his last few matches before today.
Ben Shelton said.

Thus, Novak Djokovic might just have to school the youngster again to avenge the disrespect he felt in their last meeting.

And the Serb might get the opportunity to do exactly that in the 2024 Australian Open. If things go right, Novak Djokovic might face Ben Shelton in the fourth round (round of 16) of the Grand Slam. Seeing the current form of the youngster, it should be a cakewalk for the Serb. 

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