“I’ve been asked about it constantly,” Days after Novak Djokovic’s statement, Ben Shelton breaks his silence on his US Open antiques that triggered the tennis world

The Shelton-Djokovic rivalry takes a new turn after Ben Shelton dismisses Novak Djokovic's comments on the viral incident at the US Open.

“I’ve been asked about it constantly,” Days after Novak Djokovic’s statement, Ben Shelton breaks his silence on his US Open antiques that triggered the tennis world

Novak Djokovic (L), Ben Shelton (R) (Sources: Imago)

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The tennis world is talking about Ben Shelton yet again after his contentious, hyperbolic celebration during the 2023 US Open semifinal match against World No. 1 Novak Djokovic. 

Shelton’s use of his dialed-in signal to undo Djokovic, which included yelling in the Serb’s face, soured the match, which the Serb won in straight sets.

Needless to say, Djokovic remained unimpressed with the 21-year-old’s conduct and mocked Shelton by repeating the dialed-in signature during the match. The two players had a chilly relationship off the court and a chilly post-match handshake as well. 

However, more interestingly, Djokovic recently talked about the event during the ongoing Australian Open, saying that the American’s lack of sportsmanship was the reason for his reaction.

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)

The 21-year-old was asked about the same after Djokovic was quoted as saying his reaction was in response to the provocation from the other side.

The young tennis player refrained from saying anything about the incident and even highlighted that he had been constantly asked about it in the last four to five months. 

No, I don't really have anything else to say on the whole US Open situation. I feel like I've been asked about it constantly in the last four or five months and like I've said my piece on the matter. I would rather just let it settle and move forward. We're in Australia now, and we're at the Australian Open and not the US Open anymore. I'm just focusing on the Australian Open and happy and grateful to be here.
Said the American via AO press conference.

That’s not all; as per Shelton himself, he would now like to settle the matter and move forward in his career.  

Furthermore, Shelton’s approach has also gained traction on social media, with some fans criticizing the casual attitude and others complimenting the American for being more mature than the World No. 1.

Also Read: “Overrated AF!” – Ben Shelton, who was projected to be the next Roger Federer, gets mercilessly bashed for losing to Taro Daniel before Australian Open

Shelton dispatches Bautista Agut and moves to the second round at the AO

The 21-year-old went through to the second round after defeating Roberto Bautista Agut in straight sets, 6-2, 7-6 (7-2), 7-5. Shelton was excellent in his serving and return skills, racking up 14 aces and 53 wins in his triumph over the Spaniard. 

Ben Shelton hitting a serve during his match at the US Open on September 03, 2023
Ben Shelton hitting a serve during his match at the US Open (Via Imago)

The left-handed American has risen through the popularity rankings owing to his unwavering optimism and, more recently, owing to his beef with Djokovic during the US Open semifinal.

The Netflix hit docu-series Breaking Point has also intrigued fans and viewers alike with Shelton’s meteoric rise into the top 20 of the rankings.

Shelton, who is the 16th seed in the men’s draw at the Australian Open, did not have the best of starts before the Australian Open, crashing out in the semifinals of the ASB Classic as the No. 1 seed and reaching the round-of-32 at the Brisbane International.

The American will be hoping for a change of fortune at the Australian Open and will be looking to prove his mettle once again.

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