WATCH: “Too cocky, Novak please take this kid out!” – Ben Shelton’s cold ‘phone call’ celebration after reaching his maiden Grand Slam semifinal doesn’t sit well with fans on social media
Shelton was labeled cocky by many fans following his quarter-final triumph celeration.
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Ben Shelton (Image via @usopen/X)
Tennis fans are calling American tennis young gun Ben Shelton ‘cocky’ following his ‘phone call’ celebration after his victory against compatriot Frances Tiafoe. While the American youngster got a little too excited for his highest finish at a Grand Slam, the tennis audiences considered it too boastful. Spectators slammed the 20-year-old for his act despite it being his first semi-final finish.
After the 2023 Australian Open, where he made a quarter-final finish, Ben Shelton did not see much success at a Grand Slam following that. However, he changed that in the US Open 2023. From a best finish of Round 1 at the US Open, it is quite a big jump to become a semi-final contender, and potentially a final appearance.
Following his four-set victory over Frances Tiafoe, the American made it to the semi-finals. He will now be facing Novak Djokovic, who is in his top form again. Shelton has had quite the kickstart to his career since turning pro in 2022. With some quarter-final appearances at Masters 1000 events, Shelton seems to be creating quite a few waves.
However, currently, Shelton’s cold celebration against Tiafoe seemed to stir mixed emotions among spectators. While a few people seem to defend Shelton, arguing that he was still very young, a majority of the people on X flamed Shelton for being too conceited and arrogant.
Tennis fans slam Ben Shelton for being too cocky
The tennis world resorted to X to slam Ben Shelton for being arrogant following his epic victory against Frances Tiafoe. The fact that it was the American’s first semi-final finish in a Grand Slam did not seem to matter to the audiences.
Some people even went as far as to call on Novak Djokovic, his semi-final opponent, to ‘teach this kid humility’. “He’s too cocky. Djokovic will knock some sense into him,” said a particular user. His frosty telephone call symbol, even before the handshake, seemed to infuriate the tennis world. Here are some of the reactions:
Nevertheless, the American will face Djokovic in the semi-final. With Shelton aiming for a first final appearance, he will need to put more effort than most to beat Djokovic if he wants to realize this goal.
In case you missed it:
- WATCH: ‘Furious’ Novak Djokovic loses his mind at a spectator after he YELLS ‘out’ mid-rally costing him an important point
- Jelena Ostapenko’s net worth in 2023: How rich is the tennis star?
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Ramya Rangarajan
(267 Articles Published)