“Disrespectful bully with a daddy who covers for him” – Ben Shelton gets roasted by fans after his father comes out attacking Novak Djokovic over his celebrations at the US Open

The phone hanging celebration controversy is not stopping anytime soon.

“Disrespectful bully with a daddy who covers for him” – Ben Shelton gets roasted by fans after his father comes out attacking Novak Djokovic over his celebrations at the US Open

(L) Ben Shelton with father; (R) Novak Djokovic (Source: Imago/X)

Ben Shelton has been receiving a lot of backlash from the fans off-late. This comes despite his semifinal run in the 2023 US Open, where he reached the semifinals. Novak Djokovic mocked Ben Shelton after defeating him in the semifinals, by mimicking his celebration. Ben Shelton’s father, Bryan Shelton, did not approve of this behavior from someone of Djokovic’s stature.

Bryan Shelton believes that Novak Djokovic tries too hard to be loved, and stated that what he did after his victory was to mock his son. He claims that it is a shame that this behavior is coming from a champion of his caliber, who has claimed 24 Grand Slam titles.

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“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,” said Bryan Shelton to GQ Sports.

However, fans have hit back at Shelton Sr. over his comments on Djokovic. Fans claim that Ben Shelton is being defended by his father, despite his acts at the US Open. Ben Shelton was himself involved in several controversial moments at the recently concluded American Major, including some of his outbursts on court.

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Ben Shelton’s father criticized for unnecessary intervention in regards to Djokovic celebration saga

Ben Shelton
Ben Shelton (Source: X)

Bryan Shelton’s comments regarding Djokovic received a lot of backlash from the fans. Many claimed that the Serb was justified in his behavior, as the American was not on his best behavior during the semifinal clash.

Novak Djokovic ended Ben Shelton’s run at the 2023 US Open, as he defeated the American in straight sets in the semifinals. The Serbian eventually went on to claim the US Open title for the fourth time in his career, and his 24th Grand Slam title overall. Meanwhile, it was a major breakthrough for Shelton, who reached his first Grand Slam semifinals.

Shelton defeated the likes of Tommy Paul and Frances Tiafoe on his way to the semifinals. The youngster could not put up much of a fight against Djokovic, however, he did give the Serbian a run for his money in the final set.

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