Emma Raducanu rallies behind Novak Djokovic for hitting Ben Shelton with the ‘phone celebration’ after beating him at US Open

Emma Raducanu backs Djokovic's playful 'phone celebration' after US Open victory.

Emma Raducanu rallies behind Novak Djokovic for hitting Ben Shelton with the ‘phone celebration’ after beating him at US Open

Emma Raducanu and Novak Djokovic (Credit: WTA and AP News)

Emma Raducanu, former US Open winner, offered her support for Novak Djokovic‘s fun ‘phone celebration’ after his victory against Ben Shelton in the US Open 2023 men’s singles semi-final.

Djokovic, the 23-time Grand Slam champion, delivered a magnificent performance against the youthful American Ben Shelton. Djokovic advanced to the US Open final with a dominant straight-sets victory, winning 6-3, 6-2, and 7-6. The match lasted about two hours and forty-one minutes and took place on the renowned Arthur Ashe Stadium court.

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Djokovic’s victory was a watershed moment in his storied career, propelling him into his 36th Grand Slam final. It was also his 100th match at the US Open, which he marked with his 87th win in men’s singles. Emma Raducanu, the first qualifier to win a Grand Slam championship at the 2021 US Open, shared a snapshot of Djokovic repeating the ‘phone celebration’ on her Instagram story. Her act was interpreted as a reflection of the tennis community’s togetherness and sportsmanship.

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Novak Djokovic’s ‘phone celebration’ charms fans and peers at US Open 2023

(L) Ben Shelton; (R) Novak Djokovic (Via Open Source/Imago)
(L) Ben Shelton; (R) Novak Djokovic (Via Open Source/Imago)

Djokovic’s ‘phone celebration’ drew the attention of both spectators and fellow players. It was a mockery of Shelton’s own distinctive celebration, which had previously elicited mixed reviews on social media after his match. Many saw his move as a lighthearted retort to Shelton’s earlier celebration, which some saw as overly cocky. During a post-match press conference, Djokovic frankly conveyed his feelings on the celebration. He said, “I just loved Ben’s celebration. I just thought it was very original. And I copied him.” His statements emphasized the lighthearted tone of the gesture.

While Shelton’s earlier celebration caused a social media dispute, Djokovic’s lighthearted response seemed to elicit more positive responses. Many fans complimented him for bringing levity into the match and for presumably “humbling” his young American opponent.

The US Open has always provided a stage for both seasoned champions and rising stars to demonstrate their abilities and sportsmanship. Djokovic’s humorous celebration served as a reminder that, despite the heated competitiveness on the court, the tennis elite share a sense of camaraderie and mutual respect.

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