“Shelton wasn’t respectful” – Djokovic on why he “reacted” to opponent at 2023 US Open
Novak Djokovic has hit out at the behaviour of Ben Shelton last year – while the American just wants to move on
Novak Djokovic and Ben Shelton at the 2023 US Open (Antoine Couvercelle/Panoramic)
It was one of the iconic images of tennis’s 2023 season – Novak Djokovic imitating Ben Shelton‘s telephone-style celebration.
The young American started it with a “dialled-in” gesture that Djokovic copied after his 6-3, 6-2, 7-6 (4) victory in the US Open semi-final.
Although Djokovic brushed it off immediately afterwards, he has since told L’Equipe that he objected to Shelton’s behaviour – hence the response.
“I don’t provoke,” he told the French newspaper in quotes translated by Tennis Majors. “It’s my reaction to a provocation from the other side. In the case of Ben Shelton, it was a reaction against him, because he didn’t behave properly and respectfully on the court, and also before the match. That’s the story.
“I’m never going to make fun of someone if that person doesn’t do anything first. Whenever I lose, I always hug my opponent, congratulate him and respect him and his team. But if someone gets into the ‘unsportsmanlike’ zone, I react.”
Shelton: I’ve said my piece
Shelton was asked for his response to Djokovic’s words after his straight-sets win in the first round of the Australian Open over Roberto Bautista Agut – but he brushed it off.
“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. I feel 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.”
Djokovic and Shelton may yet have a rematch in Melbourne, in the round of 16.
