Friday’s semifinal may have been the end of Ben Shelton’s Cinderella U.S. Open run, but the rising American star made sure to send a resounding parting message to his last opponent, Novak Djokovic.
After outlasting the unseeded Shelton, 6–3, 6–2, 7–6 (4), at Flushing Meadows, Djokovic sent the 20-year-old underdog home with a lasting image of the Serbian superstar mimicking his “dialed in” celebration from his quarterfinal win over fellow American Frances Tiafoe.
Following Friday’s match, Shelton was asked for his thoughts on Djokovic’s troll, leading to an epic response sure to eventually make its way back to the legend himself.
“I think if you win the match you deserve to do whatever you want,” Shelton said. “You know, as a kid growing up, I always learned that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery so…that’s all I have to say about that.”
Ben Shelton on Novak Djokovic doing his phone celebration at US Open:
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) September 8, 2023
“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… pic.twitter.com/Xj8dDpocvH
With the upstart’s best showing, to date, now behind him, Shelton, who entered the day with a tournament-high 76 aces, will be able to hang his hat on his strong performance—and post-match comeback—against one of the greats.
As for Djokovic, a rematch against Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz or Russia’s Daniil Medvedev in Sunday’s final now awaits with the 36-year-old’s shot at a fourth U.S. Open title and 24th Grand Slam championship on the line.
Novak Djokovic hangs up the phone on Ben Shelton after beating him at the US Open. 📞🥶 pic.twitter.com/aTnjVFDWHY
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) September 8, 2023
