Shelton on Djokovic’s phone celebration : “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery”

Following his 6-3, 6-2, 7-6 (4) victory over Ben Shelton in the US Open semi-finals on Friday afternoon, Djokovic mocked Shelton’s trademark “dialed in” telephone celebration.

It’s a celebration that Shelton used throughout the tournament on the way to his first Grand Slam semi-final appearance — not directed at any opponent. Djokovic, however, clearly meant it as taunting gesture toward his 20-year-old opponent. The result was an icy handshake at the net.

If you win the match, you deserve to do whatever you want.

Ben Shelton

As expected, both players were asked about the post-match shenanigans in their respective press conferences. Although Shelton clearly didn’t like it, the world No 47 took the high road while speaking with the media — saying that it was fair game for Djokovic to do what he did. And Shelton also took it as a compliment.

“I don’t like when I’m on social media and I see people telling me how I can celebrate or can’t celebrate,” Shelton commented. “I think if you win the match, you deserve to do whatever you want.

“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.”

Djokovic was in no mood to give a serious reply and make a bigger story out of it.

“I just love Ben’s celebration,” the three-time US Open champion joked. “I thought it was very original, and I copied him. I stole his celebration.”

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