Novak Djokovic, one of the all-time greats in tennis, pulled an inappropriate, petty, immature move Friday.
That’s the overwhelming consensus of sports fans on social media after the Serbian defeated American Ben Shelton in a semifinal to reach the US Open final. Djokovic, the No. 2 seed, defeated the unseeded Shelton in straight sets, 6-3, 6-2, 7-6 (4).
Djokovic, who has 23 Grand Slam titles, will now play in his 36th Slam final, a record he already holds.
It should have been one more chance to celebrate Djokovic’s greatness, but his action immediately after match point puzzled and angered many fans.
As the crowd erupted in cheers for the legendary Djokovic, he made a motion as if he were talking on a phone, then hung it up. It was an imitation of Shelton’s celebration during the US Open, which the 20-year-old rising star explained he used to show he’s “dialed in.”
As ESPN announcer Chris Fowler immediately noted, “Djokovic mocking Shelton’s celebration from the other day, hanging up the phone.”
Novak Djokovic hangs up the phone on Ben Shelton after completing a semifinal win at the US Open. 🎾☎️
"Djokovic mocking Shelton's celebration from the other day, hanging up the phone."- Chris Fowler pic.twitter.com/kPAaltxknw
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) September 8, 2023
While Djokovic fans checked in to offer their congrats after his win, fans in general did not appreciate his mocking celebration, thinking it well beneath the dignity of one of the all-time greats.
This feels a little odd. Shelton’s phone celebration was from a previous match and had nothing to do with Novak. Novak bringing it back here just reads as combative, which is strange for the best men’s player on tour after beating an unseeded 20-year-old. https://t.co/NwLhoGjmfc
— Eric Samulski (@SamskiNYC) September 8, 2023
Imo, completely unnecessary celebration from 36-year-old Novak Djokovic after beating a 20-year-old Ben Shelton, who was playing the biggest match of his carreer in front of his home crowd and was *never* disrespectful towards him. https://t.co/pKetGheQFM
— Gaspar Ribeiro Lança (@gasparlanca) September 8, 2023
Sure. At the end of the day, not really a big deal. Just felt odd to see that reaction from somebody at his level
— Eric Samulski (@SamskiNYC) September 8, 2023
Kid deserved it with a rather boisterous 3rd set. A lot of talent but none of it harnessed. Not yet.
— DK (@PilotDaveLI) September 8, 2023
Immature brat Shelton didn't even congratulate Novak when they shook hands. Of course it's not a given, but he should have done so. Kid should recognize greatness.
— Anne S. (@AnneS41837849) September 8, 2023
I would say i’m surprised by this is right on character for Novak Djokovic. This was Ben Shelton first Grand Slam Semi- Final at his home slam, and Djokovic decides to mock him after winning?
After he retires he will fall into irrelevancy and so much of that is contributed by…
— Azulon (@AzulonCSCI) September 8, 2023
Idk why he’s doing that….he always acts like the crowd is against him
Shelton wasn’t even mocking anyone with that celebration. It just means he’s dialed in
— kap (@hopefulmetsfan) September 8, 2023
Lol and he wonders why people don’t love him the way Roger and Rafa are loved. He’s like 30 years older than the Shelton 😅
— Antonio T. (@swish_king10) September 8, 2023
